Tribal Heritage and Knotting Tradition

The Ersari are one of the ten major Turkmen tribes of Central Asia, settled in the steppe between Merv in the west, Mazar-i-Sharif in the southeast and Bukhara in the north. Their settlement area spans Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Bukhara was historically the principal trading hub for Turkmen rugs, which is why pieces from across the region were often grouped as “Bukhara rugs” — although the construction and knot density differ markedly from tribe to tribe.

This piece was hand-knotted in the borderland of northern Afghanistan between 1955 and 1975. It carries the signature Ersari grammar: large eight-sided Güls in rows across the field, framed by wide borders that are disproportionately generous compared to the inner field — a strong, characteristic compositional balance. The wool has the deep, almost silky lustre that distinguishes the best Ersari work, and the dense, heavy pile speaks of the quality of an exceptional weaving.

Colour and Composition

The field reads in a warm cinnamon and copper-terracotta ground, carrying rows of octagonal Güls in deep indigo-brown and ivory, with small star-and-cross fillers between the medallions. The wide multiple borders — a hallmark of the Ersari — frame the field in ivory diamond bands and brown elem stripes. The whole palette is drawn from natural, undyed and madder-dyed wool, and has mellowed over five to seven decades into the soft, glowing harmony that only genuine age can give.

Presence in the Room

At 405 × 290 cm (11.75 m²) this is an extra-large room-size piece. Three contexts in which the Ersari reaches its full effect:

• Stately living room: anchoring a generous sofa group, the cinnamon-ivory palette adds a quiet warmth to interiors built around natural materials — wood, leather, linen.
• Formal dining room: under a long table for eight to twelve, the rhythmic Gül rows read as a measured, architectural pattern from above.
• Library or conference room: in a high-spec working space, the muted Turkmen grammar adds depth and craft without competing for attention.

A Collector Piece and Investment

Genuine mid-century Ersari rugs in this size, with full pile and undimmed natural colour, have become increasingly hard to find — the older spinning and natural-dye traditions that gave this wool its silk-like lustre have largely disappeared. As a rare, hand-knotted tribal piece in excellent condition, this rug is not only a furnishing but a collector piece with genuine value-retention potential: a tangible, enduring asset of a kind that a discerning buyer can pass on. Each piece is supplied with a certificate of authenticity.

Specifications

Responsible Sourcing · Label STEP

Djoharian is a Label STEP certified dealer for fair-trade knotted rugs — a commitment to dignified working conditions and against child labour in rug production. Visit the Label STEP entry for Djoharian Teppiche →

Djoharian — Since 1967

With roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade, Djoharian has specialised in antique, tribal and designer rugs since 1967. On 1stDibs we have been a verified seller since 2013 with 5.0/5 stars across 18 reviews and the “Recognized Dealer” badge. Our pieces have been featured in international film productions, including Spencer (2021) with Kristen Stewart.

Service and Delivery

Every piece in the Djoharian Collection is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main, professionally washed and shipped with a certificate of authenticity. We offer secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.