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New York, Previews

The Rug Show 2024 Exhibitors Grow Demand for Afghan Weaving Artistry

Fashion meets tradition in The Rug Show exhibitors’ lineups supporting Afghan weavers and helping their industry – and US importers – to thrive.

Carol Tisch
8/26/2024
rugs debuting at The Rug Show 2024
A range of looks all hand woven of the finest wool by artisans in Afghanistan make their debut at The Rug Show 2024.

SECAUCUS, N.J. – A strong representation of the artistry, quality and high style of rugs crafted by Afghan weavers will be front and center at The Rug Show 2024, set to run from Sept. 7-9, 2024, at The Meadowlands Expo Center with discounted hotel rates upon registration.

While exhibition stands will feature a comprehensive selection of fine carpets from weaving centers around the world, the Afghan lineup will indicate the result of exhibitors’ ongoing efforts to bolster the Afghan weaving community and thereby improve their living conditions after decades of war.

According to Rob Leahy, owner of Fine Rugs of Charleston in South Carolina, those efforts are paying off. “The Afghan carpet industry is an under the radar success story. People don’t realize how much growth and success they are experiencing. It’s significant.” And he should know. Leahy was managing director of The Kabul Carpet Export Center, which in June 2023 concluded its 4-year contract to supports the mission of USAID to help provide jobs and create stability for artisans in Afghanistan.

What’s more, Leahy says “U.S. importers would do well with Afghan rugs. They are an opportunity to make some money,” he says. Indeed, The Rug Show’s exhibitors’ have helped weavers with support and training, and attendees will see the result of their efforts and design acumen in the Afghan carpets on show.

Exhibitors will illustrate tremendous advances in pattern, color and style. Of course, impeccably woven classic and historic designs and colorways will be displayed – but this year they will be featured alongside everything from modern abstracts to contemporary designs.

 ANDKHUY RUGS


From Andkhuy Rugs’ popular Aryana collection, style102 SK-89 is hand-woven in Afghanistan.

Andkhuy Rugs, a long-time TRS exhibitor, has an established history showcasing the artistry and tradition of Afghan rug making while supporting skilled artisans and their communities.  Its richly colored hand-knotted rugs from Afghanistan are crafted of hand-spun, vegetable-dyed wool, and the company has earned a reputation for its traditional tribal designs and classic antique patterns which are subtly modernized.

The San Francisco-based company is premiering new designs from its Aryana collection, along with traditional tribal designs featuring bright colors, updated neutrals, over-dyed, and modern styles.

AFGHAN BAZAR RUGS


Afghan Bazar updates a classic look, including Oushaks, with fashion colors. Shown, P4433-1

“We try our best to contribute more and more to help the growing economy of Afghanistan,” says Barak Zai, CEO, Afghan Bazar Rugs. This must-see manufacturer of handmade carpets and kilims produced 100 percent in Afghanistan is based in the US in Virginia. Look for a range of authentic and fashion-right designs.

“I am looking forward to The Rug Show 2024 and can’t wait to present our newest productions,” he says. “We are excited to be there.”

TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN


The contemporary Blue Silver Zebra in Ghazni wool and silk spotlights the design diversity of Afghan carpets.
 
Turquoise Mountain’s effort supports the huge potential of the Afghan carpet industry, and the organization has been working on unique creations to Afghanistan. “We are most excited to showcase the depth and breadth of Afghan weavers, specifically in regard to design, color, and sensibility,” said Alison Gray, commercial manager at Turquoise Mountain, London.

Examples of the scope and potential of Afghan weavers supported by Turquoise Mountain are rugs in a new collection of unique designs inspired by the natural world including Blue Sliver Zebra, which will be exhibited at TRS 2024. “At the Rug Show we will debut even more new weaves and textures that are entirely new to Afghanistan, highlighting just how innovative the region has become.”

ALPINE RUG


The California-based Alpine Rug debuts a trend-right gray Moroccan design, 25AL-98, at The Rug Show.
 
Alpine Rug is a go-to source for premium Afghan handmade woolen rugs, crafted with hands-spun Ghazni wool and vibrant vegetable-based dyes. Based in California, the company’s designs range from tribal to traditional, and from contemporary to modern.

“We look forward to another great trade event this September. This show is important for us to showcase our rugs and meet new people,” says Sami Nazar, principal of the generations-old family business. The designs and colors created by Alpine Rug are made from hand-carded and hand-spun wool using vegetable dyes.

ANWAR RUGS


Anwar Rugs tailors a classic Oushak to contemporary tastes with a chic but neutral palette.

At the Anwar Rugs Rug Show stand, look for Afghani and Egyptian rugs in up-to-date colors and designs, including Serapis, Oushaks, and reproduction Egyptian rugs in soft, antique finishes—all made from hand-spun, natural vegetable-dyed wool. The Georgia-based company has also just opened a wash house in Atlanta for dealers.

“It’s our first time as an exhibitor, and we’re excited to share our latest productions in person with buyers this fall,” says principal Anwar Tewala.

ART RESOURCES


Afghan weaving artistry is illustrated by this erased pattern traditional design with a modern twist.

Art Resources curates its collections from weaving centers in Pakistan, India, Afghanistan and more, inspiring weavers with the Los Angeles company’s renowned design and color expertise. At the 2024 edition of The Rug Show, several new designs woven in Afghanistan will be displayed, including a new erased traditional design.

“We work with our weavers to create rugs that are synonymous with the quality and style customers expect from us, and collaborating with artisans in Afghanistan is especially gratifying,” said Jack Simantob, principal.

KEHKASHAN RUGS


An ombre effect and fashion colors is sure to turn heads in this rug from Kehkashan’s Afghan-made Moroccan collection.

“Our rugs are made in Northern Afghanistan by Turkmen tribal weavers using the finest Ghazni wool and vegetable natural vegetable dyes,” says company founder Khairullah Karimi. Indeed, the California-based company has been producing world-class handmade carpets in Afghanistan since 1920.

Rug Show shoppers will find lots of choices from the Afghan Moroccan line of Moroccan-style designs to the Faryab collection’s richly colored traditional tribal motifs in a fine weave quality. A must-see is one of the company’s ‘old lines’ of production, Aryana, which is hand-knotted in vegetable-dyed Ghazni wool, and “unmatched in its fine quality and luxurious, soft texture,” Karimi says.

NEMAN INTERNATIONAL


Always a top fashion color, clear sea blue updates a classic in Neman’s Oushak Afghan lineup. Shown, design 160378
 
Another company which curates from several renowned global weaving capitals, Neman International pays homage to the Afghan fine carpet industry with area rugs like its Oushak Afghan design in rich, clear blue. One of The Rug Show’s original exhibitors, this family-owned business is dedicated to outstanding customer service – “and the design and wholesale distribution of oriental rugs and carpets with creative flair and stunning colors," says principal Said Neman.

SATAR CARPET


An exclusive hand-knotted Suzani design from Satar features the latest trend to a warm palette.
 
All the classics are on show at Satar’s Rug Show stand, but the Germany-based exhibitor will showcase everything from nomadic to modern designs, vegetable-dyed, and fine wool carpets such as Ariana, Kaizar, Kasak, Mamlouk, Beltun, Galaxy, Serapi, and Suzani—plus many other types of modern and tribal items.

“The Rug Show is particularly important for our handmade rugs and kilims,” says the company’s Wase Rasul. “Show shoppers will see that quality is not a thing we would ever compromise.”

AKHAVAN-FARSCHI


A classic Gabbeh in earthy on-point colors from Akhavan-Farschi is woven in Afghanistan.

Farshchi Inc., a third-generation Persian rug company based in New York and Hamburg, Germany, is proud to announce the unveiling at The Rug Show of an exclusive exhibition of antique and decorative rugs. Eddie Akhavan Farshchi, the founder of Farshchi Inc., brings extensive experience and a deep passion for rug craftsmanship, and the company is known for sharing the rich heritage and exquisite artistry of Persian and Afghan rugs with the world.

In fact, the company’s venture called The Afghan Project goes beyond aesthetics to champion a social mission which features designs exclusively sourced and painstakingly hand woven in Afghanistan, predominantly by the skilled hands of Afghan women.
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