Kohra Maimana Gelum One-OF-A-Kind-Afghan Rug

A small Herat Hazara Gelum of dark slate ground with vivid teal, pink, and yellow diamond forms — bright colours from darkness, each one luminous against the field that holds it.
The dark slate-charcoal ground of this small Gelum functions as a foil in the most precise sense of the word: a dark setting that makes every colour placed against it appear more intense than it could on any lighter ground. The vivid teal, hot pink, yellow, red, and ivory diamond forms that cover this field are not unusual in the Hazara Gelum tradition — but against this particular darkness, each one becomes luminous, the contrast total and entirely intentional. Woven entirely in wool by Hazara craftspeople in the Herat region in the slit-woven tapestry technique, with the natural wool tassel fringe that completes every Gelum. A small object with a disproportionate presence. Among the Gelum group, this is the piece with the most dramatic relationship between ground and motif.
A hand-woven rug is an investment piece. With proper care it will last a lifetime and become a cherished heirloom. Each knot in this collection is tied by hand by nomadic tribesmen, making every piece entirely one of a kind.
Variations in colour and tone — known as abrash — are a hallmark of authentic handmade rugs, particularly tribal and vintage pieces. Wear and age only add to their beauty.