Moorish Classic

This hand-knotted runner is a faithful reinterpretation of a 15th-century Spanish Alcaraz carpet (circa 1450–1500), inspired by an important historic example preserved in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Carpets woven in medieval Spain emerged during a period of extraordinary cultural exchange, when Moorish (Islamic) artistic traditions from Al-Andalus intersected with the tastes of Christian European courts. Spanish carpets from this era were highly valued luxury objects, appearing in royal inventories and noble households across Europe.

Alcaraz carpets are distinguished by their strong geometric organization, repeating medallion forms, and rhythmic surface patterns. Rather than dense ornamentation, they rely on clarity of structure, balance, and symbolic geometry—qualities that reflect both Islamic design principles and medieval European sensibilities. Smaller-format carpets and runners such as this were commonly used beside beds, before altars, on tables or chests, or displayed ceremonially during festivals and important occasions.

Our Moorish Classic runner brings this historic design language into the present through a modern hand-knotted interpretation woven in the northern regions of Afghanistan. Skilled artisans carefully preserve the original medallion structure and geometric rhythm while recreating the design with the warmth and individuality of true hand craftsmanship.

The rug is crafted using wool from sheep raised at elevations above 1,000 meters, where cooler climates encourage the development of fleece naturally rich in lanolin. This natural lanolin strengthens the wool fibers, enhancing resilience and elasticity while imparting a gentle natural sheen. As a result, the rug is well suited for long-term use, maintaining both its structure and visual presence over time.

Woven entirely by hand, each piece carries subtle variations that reflect the human hand behind its creation. While rooted in a 15th-century Spanish prototype, this Afghan-woven runner feels timeless rather than historic—bridging centuries of design tradition with the needs and aesthetics of contemporary interiors.Reference to the Original

This modern rug takes inspiration from the 1450–1500 Alcaraz carpet in the Victoria & Albert Museum.