One of my favorite productions from the Afghan refugee camps in Pakistan is called Khal Mohammadi. I am puzzled about where their designs spring from. They are recognizably Turkmen in character, but unlike any Turkmen designs I have seen.
Khal Mohammadi rugs are characterized by their usually coppery-colored fields, by their highly lustrous finish, their usually clean, neat, and tidy appearance, and by the decorative, flat-woven finish on either end. Typically, they are heavier-bodied and finer-knotted than Kampbaff rugs. They are, to me, a welcome departure from the typical red, large-gul Afghan rugs that for decades were almost the only Turkmen rugs available.
Like so many of the rugs in the market now that I admire, just ten or fifteen years ago they weren’t made. Most sizes are available, though it is very hard to find a true 8 by 10 or 9 by 12.
For the past two years we have seen in the market a small production of a variant Khal Mohammadi. These are finer knotted than their cousins and are woven with what is said to be Beljik (Belgian) wool.
Belgian wool? Perhaps. They look to me to be made from New Zealand wool. In any case, they are lustrous and very-impressive. They cost about twice as much as regular Khal Mohammadis.
These ARE very cool rugs. Definitely a notch or two outside of ‘the pack’. My own Khal Mohammadi (named ‘Copper’, by my ever-insightful wife) at approx. 10′X14′ has a tribal sensibility almost shrieking from that indigo colored, field of disjointed vines! Even though the larger size makes me wonder how hard it must have been to possibly weave that big girl - on the ground? These rugs have a great, excellent wool, sorta ‘floppy’ handle, and should become collectible someday……
I have just bought a Khal Mahammadi- 3.5 x 2.5m. Belgian wool I am told. $12,000. Is that too much? I have ripples. The sellers spent 3 days trying to get them out. Many were removed but many remain. Should I demand a rippleless rug? Please tell about ripples. Why they are there and do they reflect a poor quality rug. Should we ask for a replacement?
Mal,
In my opinion that is just about $9000 over what a Khal Mohammadi should cost. If the carpet is defective, (ripples)you should demand your money back and go elsewhere for your carpet needs.
Yes, in Afghanistan you can buy it for $400. Sorry. Get your money back.
Just bought one myself good to hear some history on them. Looks great in my entry way hall. I paid 1100 for mine.