Chobi rugs are hand-knotted rugs woven in Afghanistan and Pakistan with hand-spun wool and natural dyes, then washed to give soft, muted colors. They are also known as Peshawar rugs, after the Pakistani city where many are made and sold, and as Ziegler-style rugs, because many of their designs are based on the decorative Persian rugs commissioned by Ziegler & Co. in the late 19th century. Chobi rugs have become popular for their gentle colors and relaxed, large-scale designs.
| Origin | Afghanistan and Pakistan (especially Peshawar and Lahore) |
|---|---|
| Began | About the 1980s and 1990s |
| Knot | Asymmetric (Persian), usually |
| Materials | Hand-spun wool on a cotton foundation |
| Dyes | Natural (vegetable) dyes |
| Typical designs | Ziegler Sultanabad, Oushak, Mahal, Heriz and Persian floral designs |
| Look | Soft, muted, slightly faded colors |
The name "Chobi"
"Chobi" is usually explained as coming from a Persian word for wood, and is often said to refer to the woody, earthy tones of the rugs, or to the plant-based dyes used to make them. Whatever its exact origin, the name now describes a style: natural dyes, hand-spun wool and a washed finish.
The Ziegler connection
In the late 19th century, the Manchester firm Ziegler & Co. commissioned rugs around Sultanabad (Arak) in Iran with large-scale, open designs and soft colors for Western homes. These antique "Ziegler" rugs became highly prized and expensive. Chobi weavers revived the style, reproducing the large palmettes, vines and open medallions in similar soft palettes. See Mahal and Sultanabad Rugs.
How Chobi rugs are made
The wool is hand-spun, which gives it a slightly uneven thickness and texture, and dyed with natural dyes such as madder and indigo, often producing abrash. After weaving, the rugs are washed, sometimes with mild bleaching agents, and dried in the sun to soften the colors further. The result is a rug that looks mellow and gently aged from the start. See Natural vs. Synthetic Dyes and Abrash.
Designs and colors
- Ziegler and Mahal designs: large palmettes, vines and open medallions.
- Oushak designs: big, soft medallions and lattices. See Oushak Rugs.
- Persian floral and Heriz designs, softened in color.
- Colors: ivory, beige, rust, terracotta, sage green, light blue and gold.
Why people choose them
Chobi rugs combine the durability of hand-knotted wool with a soft palette that suits modern and transitional rooms. They are usually less expensive than antique rugs with a similar look, and their designs are often large in scale, which works well in big rooms. See also Afghan Rugs and Pakistani Rugs and Bokhara Designs.
