Afghanistan: Made with natural dyes and handspun wool. This rug comes from a project employing Hazara Afghan as well as Turkmen weavers. Weaving takes place primarily in the North of Afghanistan. This is one of our "antique revival" carpets; carpets that have the look and feel of antique rugs with none of the worn or repaired areas often associated with old rugs. This rug matches and even surpasses the quality of the fine rugs woven over 100 years ago. To create such a piece requires the use of only the best materials available: handspun long staple Central Asian Karakul wool. The wool is obtained from the Karakul (or Fat-Tailed) sheep. The Karakul is the oldest breed of sheep in the world and is considered to have the highest quality wool available. In addition all natural dyes and only a mild soap and water wash are used on this rug. This piece is woven with a strikingly beautiful Persian design that requires a higher knot count of about 200 knots per inch. The colors the wool and the refined design in this rug are extraordinary; capturing the sublime of a great carpet! A treasure for today and a collectible for the next century.