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Hand-knotted Afghan rugs, each woven by hand in Afghanistan and each one of a kind. The collection brings together the country's main weaving traditions: Ghazni wool rugs, Gabbeh, deep-red Khal Mohammadi, Caucasian-style Sherwan, bold Kazak, Chobi and flat-woven kilims, in sizes from 60×90cm entrance mats to living-room rugs of 6 tatami. Free shipping across Japan.
What is an Afghan rug?
Afghanistan sits where three great weaving cultures meet: Persia to the west, and the Caucasus and Turkmen Central Asia to the north. That is why Afghan rugs range from Turkmen güls and bold geometry to graceful Persian-style florals. Most are knotted from highland wool, rich in lanolin. Gentle shifts in tone (abrash) and the slight irregularities of the weave are the marks of handwork, not flaws.
The main types of Afghan rug
| Type | Look | Works well for |
|---|---|---|
| Ghazni wool | Lustrous wool; florals, medallions and near-plain modern designs | Living rooms of 2 to 6 tatami |
| Gabbeh | Thick, soft pile; simple designs with open space | Entrance mats, in front of a sofa |
| Khal Mohammadi | Deep madder red with Turkmen güls | Hallway runners, 4.5 tatami rooms |
| Sherwan | Caucasian medallions and serrated borders | Accent rugs and room rugs |
| Kazak | Large stars, hexagons and stepped medallions | Runners and modern rooms |
| Kilim | Flat weave with no pile, reversible | Tatami rooms, underfloor heating |
Sizes and prices
Typically, our Afghan entrance mats of about 60×90cm start from around ¥33,000. Rugs of about 1.5 tatami (around 140×200cm) are mostly ¥150,000 to ¥340,000, and living-room rugs of 4.5 tatami (around 200×300cm) mostly ¥250,000 to ¥650,000, with exceptional pieces above ¥1,000,000. Price follows wool quality, knot density, size and the complexity of the design. Every rug is priced individually; the current price is shown on each rug in this collection. Every product page lists the exact size in centimetres and its tatami equivalent. For a fuller comparison, see our rug price guide.
How to choose an Afghan rug
- Size: in a 6 tatami room, a rug of about 3 tatami (around 200×250cm) leaves a comfortable border of floor. In front of a sofa, about 1.5 to 2 tatami is enough.
- Colour: natural beige and ivory Ghazni or Gabbeh pieces sit quietly against wood and tatami; Khal Mohammadi and Kazak reds make the rug the focal point.
- Pile: Gabbeh has the softest, deepest pile; kilims have none and are the thinnest choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Afghan and Persian rugs?
Persian rugs are woven in Iran and are known for very fine knotting and curvilinear designs. Afghan rugs are woven in Afghanistan, often with a slightly thicker pile and bolder Turkmen or tribal designs, and usually cost less for the same size. Both are genuine hand-knotted rugs.
Can I use an Afghan rug on tatami or with underfloor heating?
Yes. Wool breathes and suits tatami well. Most wool rugs can be used over underfloor heating on a low to medium setting, and thin flat-woven kilims let the most heat through.
How do I know a rug is genuinely hand-knotted?
Turn it over: the design should show clearly on the back, and the fringe should be the continuation of the warp threads rather than sewn on. Our guide How to Spot a Genuine Hand-Knotted Rug explains seven checks.
Read more: Types of Afghan rugs · What is a Ghazni rug? · Khal Mohammadi rugs