Today, there are many designs produced in Pakistan, ranging from the Mughal Kashmir and Persian designs to the finest quality Bokharas.
The designs are often inspired by nature. Some of the most popular designs include geometric floral patterns, tribal, abstract and Persian motifs.
Pakistani Bokhara Rugs
The name of this type comes from the town of Bokhara in Central Asia.
A Pakistani rug made of wool or silk, the Bokhara rug is woven by hand using a technique called 'Ghiordes'. The pattern is created by joining together two rows of knots called the Ghiordes knot. These rugs are usually used for floor coverings.
Bokhara rugs are made in large quantities in Pakistan. Their production is similar to Turkmen rugs, but they differ significantly. They are woven exclusively to be exported. The most popular pattern is the Ersari rug. The elephant's foot design is also ubiquitous.
Bokhara rugs are very popular among people who love carpets. Their designs are based on classic geometrical shapes. The colours are usually red or gold. The traditional Turkish weaving technique, called Ghiordes knot or senna, makes them even more durable.
A traditional handwoven carpet made by nomadic tribesmen in Central Asia, this rug is woven using wool yarns and natural dyes. The colours used in this Pakistani rug are earthy tones and browns.
A century ago, rugs in designs like these were woven by Turkmen people north of present-day Afghanistan, who bartered them for goods they couldn't produce themselves.
Their weaving accumulated in bazaars like Bokhara. Later the name of the town became associated with the rugs themselves, and this historical error continues today.
Bokhara rugs are made of cotton and wool and sometimes with "silk" inlays. They can be found at low knot density (50 knots per square inch) to very high knot density (300 knots per square inch). Silk is almost always artificial silk, made from bamboo. Most wool sourced is from New Zealand.
The thick pile varies in length depending on the cutting of the rug. Some rugs are double piled, giving them more thickness and depth. The weaving technique makes sure the rug stays flat and doesn't curl up.
Red and rust colours are primarily found in these rugs, including ivory, navy, green, slate, teal, peach, rose and orange. Designs consist of rows of Tekke medallions, similar to ones used in Turkoman Style Rugs, and are named according to Turkoman tribal groups, such as Yomuds, Sailors and Erzaris.
Baluchi Rugs
Baluchistan is one of Pakistan's most culturally rich provinces and the land where handwoven Baluchi rugs are made. These traditional rugs feature the same styles and patterns as those produced centuries ago, but they also come in modern designs. Their designs are bright and exuberant, and they radiate the same kind of glory as those produced centuries ago.
The Baluchi rugs are made by hand using natural materials such as wool, cotton, silk and other fibres. They are woven into intricate designs and patterns that make them unique. These rugs are very durable and long-lasting. They are also easy to clean and maintain.
Beljik Rugs
The Beljik rug is an exquisite work of art. Handwoven by Pakistani craftsmen, the wool used is only from the sheep's belly. This makes these rugs expensive.
To make a Beljik rug, the wool from many sheep must be used. If you are interested in rare rug types, finely-spun yarn and complex borders, then look for Pakistani Beljik rugs!
Dhurrie Rugs
In most parts of Pakistan, a dhurrie rug is a flat-woven rug usually woven with wool and cotton, similar to kilim rugs made in Afghanistan and Turkey.
Gabbeh Rugs
The Gabbeh rug is a traditional Persian carpet woven using natural materials such as wool and silk. It was named after the city of Gabbeh, located in the province of Khuzestan, Iran.
Pak Gabbeh rugs have modern contemporary patterns and are incredibly close to a Persian Gabbeh. Senneh and Ghiordes knots are commonly used while weaving with handspun wool and coloured using vegetable dyes.
This kind of rug is made entirely by hand and the yarn is spun from natural fibres. It takes a lot of time and effort to make these rugs. It also requires a lot of skill to create them. These rugs are very durable because of the use of natural materials.
Kazak Style Rugs
A type of rug made by hand using traditional techniques, Kazaks are durable and easy to clean. Their colours are vibrant. There are many different styles of Kazaks, including modern, contemporary and traditional.
Khal Mohammadi Rugs
This type of carpet was made initially by nomads who travelled across the desert. This carpet is woven at a large scale today, using machine-spun wool dyed with commercially produced colours. These rugs feature colourful floral patterns and bold, geometric designs. You might want a Khal Mohammadi in your collection if you're into traditionally styled carpets.
Pak Persian Rugs
The name of this type of carpet implies that it is made in Pakistan. These carpets are highly popular in both the west and east. Pak Persian rugs are made by hand using traditional methods. They take time to make but are very durable.
Pak Persian rugs have curvilinear and floral designs originating from the Tree of Life motif, Mahal motif, Isfahan motif, Tabriz motif, Kirman motif, old Kashan motif and Sultanabad motif.
Their intricate designs and knot density make them very attractive. The right size of one of these carpets can make any room look stunning.
Peshawar Rugs
Peshawar rugs are hand-made carpets that are woven in Peshawar, Pakistan. This rug style is often used in homes because of its unique designs and colours. The traditional Peshawar rug has a high knot count, making them durable and long-lasting. The designs are very intricate and detailed, but the overall feel is modern and fresh.
Jaldar Rugs
Inspired by the traditional Pakistani Yamada and traditional Sarouk designs, Jaldar rugs feature rows of diamond-shaped patterns created using the Ghiordes knot. These types of beautiful rugs look great in any setting.
The diamond shaped motifs are the most common design used in these carpets. The carpets are very durable and easy to clean and you can use them as wall hangings or floor coverings.
Kilim Rugs
This carpet is made of wool and cotton yarns. The design is usually geometric, but there are many variations. It is hand-knotted using a simple technique.
Compared to other Pakistani rugs, Kilim rugs are flatwoven carpets. These rugs are also famous because they use natural yarns sourced from the Dhumba sheep.
Moghul Rugs
A carpet with a thick texture, the Moghul carpet has many floral patterns. The rug is comprised of different parts, including a medallion, border and fringe. The medallion is usually decorated with flowers. The border is traditionally decorated with trellis or vines.
The fringe is also usually decorated with flowers or other ornamental shapes.
Ziegler Or Chobi Rugs
Ziegler or Chobi rugs are loved for their beautiful designs and colours.
Their high quality wool is dyed with natural pigments. They are made by hand and woven with high knot densities. These rugs are very durable and an attractive carpet investment.
Using different colours of wool, the weaver creates a beautiful piece of art. The Persian word "chob" means wood. The word "ghazn" refers to the city of Ghazni.
A Ziegler rug is a classic, timeless design that is easy to maintain and clean. This rug is great for any room, including bedrooms, living rooms or dining areas.
