Tree of life, Birjin Chobi rug 9x12 ft. 267x361 cm

Woven by hand in Afghanistan, this Tree of Life-pattern rug is the sort of piece that gets better with a bit of foot traffic. It's centred on a Tree of Life motif, one of the oldest symbols in rug weaving, traditionally worked into a piece as a wish for growth and continuity in the home it enters, and you can see the difference up close. It's knotted from 100% wool with natural dyes, which is why the tones sit slightly muted rather than looking printed or synthetic.

At 267 x 361 cm (8.8 x 11.8 ft), it's a solid anchor for a living or dining room — big enough that furniture can sit on it rather than around it. It ships as the individual piece shown in these photos; once it sells, that particular rug is gone.