Black gives the oriental pattern of the Tabriz Mahi runner a dark, dramatic ground, and every line of the design stands out clearly against it.

Its pile is 100% handspun wool, knotted by hand in India on a wool foundation. Wool fibres are crimped and hold tiny pockets of air, so this wool rug feels warm underfoot. The fringes at each end are the warp threads themselves, left long once the knotting was done.

Beside the bed this black runner gives each morning a soft first step, and it suits a hallway as a hall runner too. Its Persian-style design places it among our Oriental Rugs, while the yarn makes it one of our Wool Rugs. It suits underfloor heating.

Handmade pieces can vary slightly from the stated size, so leave a little margin when choosing the right size.

Blot any spill with a pale cloth, working from the outside inwards and never rubbing. A few loose fibres may show at first, which our care guide says will settle, and stray threads should be trimmed with scissors rather than pulled. Vacuum the black runner regularly and the shedding fades.