$3,800
The Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug is a striking example of Caucasian tribal weaving from the Shirvan region near the Caspian Sea. Woven by skilled artisans using pure sheep wool and natural dyes, each rug reflects a lineage of nomadic craftsmanship. The design features rhythmic geometric patterns—stars, diamonds, and hooked motifs—symbolising protection and unity, all set within a harmonious, balanced composition.
Characterised by its narrow proportions, the Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug was traditionally woven for mountain dwellings and corridors, reflecting the practical beauty of tribal life. Subtle colour variations, or abrash, reveal the authenticity of hand-spun yarns and vegetable dyes, creating depth and soul unmatched by modern reproductions.
Durable, resilient, and full of spirit, this runner is more than a floor covering—it’s a woven story. Each piece carries the warmth of the weaver’s hand and the echoes of centuries-old tradition. Perfect for collectors and admirers of genuine tribal art, the Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug from The Rug Shop embodies heritage, authenticity, and timeless beauty.
In stock
If you would like to see a particular product in person through our Bangalow store, please contact us in advance so we can be of the best assistance.
hello@therugshop.com.au / 02 6687 2424
Free Shipping within Australia.
Your rug will be shipped within 1-3 business days and should arrive within 3-5 business days from the ship date. Multiple items within the same order may not arrive together.
When your order is processed, you will receive an email containing a tracking number and dispatch confirmation.
Domestic shipping we use TNT express couriers & Aus post.
International shipping we use INTERPARCEL.
Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery. Please contact us as soon as possible if you are considering a return. Buyer is responsible for return postage cost. Any returns must be unused and in original of when purchased.
No returns on our “Clearance” rugs or any rugs on sale.
The Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug is a living remnant of the great weaving tradition of the eastern Caucasuseastern Caucasus—a region celebrated for its bold geometry, glowing colours, and deeply symbolic artistry. Woven in the Shirvan area, near the Caspian Sea, these rugs have long been prized for their fine craftsmanship, intricate tribal patterns, and spiritual harmony of form and meaning.
At The Rug Shop, we are honoured to share this heritage with you. Each Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug is a woven story—an artefact born from nomadic life, mountains, and memory.
Shirvan, located in what is now Azerbaijan, has for centuries been a crossroads of culture, where Turkic, Persian, and Caucasian influences merge. The Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug reflects this meeting of worlds. Its motifs speak a language older than nations—stars, medallions, and latch hooks symbolising protection, eternity, and connection to the divine.
Runners from this region were traditionally made for mountain dwellings and narrow halls, woven on small village looms by women whose knowledge came from generations before them. Each rug carries the rhythm of tribal life, with designs that are not copied from templates but flow directly from memory and imagination.
A Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug is distinguished by its balance of geometry and life. Rows of diamond medallions, hooked motifs, stylised animals, and crosses often appear in rhythmic succession. The field is filled with movement—no single element dominates, yet all belong together in harmony.
Colour is vital to the spirit of Shirvan rugs. Deep indigo, glowing madder red, ivory, saffron, and soft greens create a visual music that changes subtly with light and age. Each hue is derived from natural dyes—plants, roots, and minerals from the weaver’s environment. The result is a palette that feels organic, breathing, alive.
The narrow proportions of a runner amplify the rhythm of the design. It is like walking a path through a sacred pattern—each step tracing centuries of artistry.
This Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug is handwoven from pure sheep wool, with a cotton warp for strength and a dense, resilient pile for longevity. The lanolin-rich wool produces a natural sheen that catches light beautifully, while the knotting is fine and consistent—hallmarks of quality Shirvan work.
Unlike modern reproductions, a genuine Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug bears the subtle irregularities of the handmade—the slight shifts in motif, the gentle abrash (colour variation) that reveals the hand of the weaver and the honesty of natural dye.
These characteristics are what collectors treasure. They are not flaws, but signatures—proof that the rug is a product of life, not a machine.
The Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug is not only functional but deeply expressive. Each piece is both artwork and heirloom, connecting the modern home to the nomadic soul of the Caucasus.
Many see in these designs a visual echo of music and poetry—structured yet free, disciplined yet filled with spontaneous grace. In their geometry lies a meditation on balance and beauty, much like the architecture of Persian mosques or the verses of Rumi.
Finding an authentic Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug today is increasingly difficult. Many were made in the early to mid-20th century, and few survive in excellent condition. Those that do, like the one offered here, have been carefully preserved, cleaned, and cherished.
Their durability is legendary. With proper care, a Shirvan runner can last for generations, growing softer and more beautiful with age.
To own a Vintage Shirvan Runner Rug from The Rug Shop is to hold a fragment of Caucasian history—a woven poem in wool and dye. It brings warmth not only to the floor but to the spirit, offering the quiet dignity of handmade art and the comfort of enduring craftsmanship.
These rugs are highly valued by collectors who recognise in them the distilled essence of tribal weaving: precision without rigidity, beauty without pretence, and a profound respect for tradition.
Can I get the same rug in a different size?
Each of our rugs is an individual, hand made work of art because of that it is not possible for us to have duplicates in different sizes.
How are your rugs made?
All of our rugs are 100% Handmade on a loom. We have created a close relationship with all of the craftspeople who make our rugs which allows us to get the highest quality rugs directly from the people who made them.
Are your rugs new/used?
We offer a variety of both new and used Persian rugs from many areas including Persia, Turkey, and Morocco see below for more info on locations.
NEW: We support over 30 families in Afghanistan who produce the highest quality Persian rugs.
OLD ANTIQUE VINTAGE: We source our used rugs from village and tribal families at source. As well as attend worldwide auctions. We have formed relationships with Persian rug collectors that allow us to get incredible pieces that are not normally on the market.
Can I try before i buy?
We have a “try before you buy” system for approved customers.
Where are your rugs from?
Afghanistan, Persia, Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Morocco etc.
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