Woven Histories: The Origins of Our Taimany, Sultanabad, Mamluk and Kazak Rugs

Every handmade rug in our showroom carries a story, shaped by memory, pattern, and place. When you unroll a piece from our Taimany, Sultanabad, Mamluk or Kazak collections, you’re not simply choosing a design - you’re bringing a long-standing weaving tradition into your home. 

These are not trends. They are styles that have evolved over generations, shaped by landscape, materials and the hands of skilled weavers. They continue to sit comfortably in modern homes because they were never designed to follow fashion in the first place.

This is a simple introduction to the collections, and what makes each one distinct.

Taimany rugs

Taimany rugs come from western and central Afghanistan, where weaving traditions remain closely tied to village and tribal life.

Unlike more formal rug styles, Taimany designs often feel instinctive and highly individual. Geometric motifs appear in unexpected combinations, colours shift freely across the surface, and no two pieces are ever quite alike.

Many of the rugs are woven by women who are able to express their own creativity through the weaving, which gives Taimany rugs their distinctive sense of movement and personality. Some feel spontaneous, others more structured, but all carry the mark of the individual weaver behind them - genuine pieces of handmade floor art.

A defining feature is abrash, the natural variation in colour that comes from hand-dyeing wool in small batches. It adds depth and softness to the pattern, making each rug unique.

Like many of our hand-knotted rugs, Taimany rugs are exceptionally durable and well suited to busy living spaces, hallways and family homes.

Sultanabad rugs

Sultanabad rugs trace their origins to 19th century Persia and are known for their softer, more open patterns.

Large palmettes, flowing vines and spacious layouts give them an easy elegance that works particularly well in relaxed interiors and larger rooms. They bring warmth and pattern into a space without overwhelming it.

Their balance of practicality and understated design has made them one of the most enduring handmade rug styles.

Mamluk rugs

Mamluk rugs are recognised for their strong geometric structure and intricate medallion-based designs.

Originally inspired by the weaving traditions of Cairo, these rugs are built around symmetry, repeating forms and detailed pattern work. Despite their complexity, they often feel calm and balanced within a room.

Mamluk rugs are particularly well suited to interiors where you want detail and structure without excessive colour or decoration.

Kazak rugs

Drawing on traditional weaving styles from the Caucasus, Kazak rugs often feature graphic medallions and angular tribal forms in rich reds and blues. Their confident character makes them particularly effective in hallways, family spaces and rooms that need a stronger focal point.

Hand-knotted in wool, Kazak rugs are designed to be lived with and tend to age beautifully over time.

Chosen with experience

Whichever style you’re drawn to, you’re choosing a handmade rug that supports traditional weaving and is made to be lived with for years to come.

Alex has been working with handmade rugs since 2001 and hand-selecting pieces for our Petworth showroom since 2008. Every rug in our collection has been chosen for its quality, character and how it will sit in a home.

As a proud partner of Label STEP, we support fair working conditions and the continuation of traditional weaving practices, so you can feel confident in where your rug has come from, as well as how it will look and last in your home.