• 100% New Zealand wool on cotton warp
  
• Plush pile (1” to 1.5” high)
• Space-dyed with azo-free dyes in small batches for depth of color
• Slight variations in size due to handmade nature
• Natural shedding within the first month of use is to be expected - keep your non-rotary vacuum handy!
• Color palette: warm vanilla beige, slate grey
• This shag rug is the real thing—entirely hand-knotted by expert weavers, which is rare, as even "luxury" retailers frequently sell less sturdy hand-tufted or hand-loomed substitutes 

Pepper is a modern take on a shag rug, inspired by midcentury minimalism, with a simple repeating geometric design and a soft blue-grey ground. It’s been hand-washed multiple times to achieve extra-soft texture.

New Zealand wool is a premium wool beloved for its softness and long fibers. Like all wools, it has a hydrophobic layer which repels dust and dirt, and it has lanolin, which provides its trademark luster as well as protects the fiber from breaking or shedding. It's woven onto a sturdy cotton warp for added durability.

Our partner is a third-generation family-run weaving house in Bhadohi, India. They specialize in hand-knotted plush pile rugs, and their knowledge helped us improve the rugs' construction for strength and less shedding. We like their values, too: creating high quality product and taking good care of their team.

• Dust and dirt that accumulate in your rug can erode the fibers over time. The best way to combat this is to take your rug outside and give it a good shake every couple of weeks. Depending on how large it is, you may need to recruit a friend to help. Also, be sure to get a rug pad—this helps to preserve your rug in spite of dirt.
• If shaking it out isn’t possible, you can vacuum it instead—just be cautious, and don’t use a rotary vacuum, because it can damage the fibers. Once or twice a month, use the suction attachment gently, from side to side. Once or twice a year, flip your rug over and vacuum the back. To ensure equal wear and protect against walk patterns, change your rug's direction periodically.
• Once a year, let it sunbathe. Hang it in the sun for a few hours when it’s hottest, and flip it over midway through, to expose both sides to direct sunlight. This sun-bleaching helps further sanitize the wool. It’s a natural method to bleach and deodorize it.
• Every 3-5 years, we recommend getting your rug professionally hand-washed. Please do not take it to get steam or dry cleaned—this will almost certainly damage the rug! Hand-washing requires the use of a pH-balanced shampoo, worked into the rug by hand with a soft-bristled brush, before being rinsed thoroughly. This process should be repeated a few times.
• In case of spills, use a paper towel or cloth to blot the liquid. Add some clean water sparingly to the spot to dilute the stain (or wet a paper towel or cloth) and blot. If the stain is persistent, try using a mild detergent. Repeat this process until the stain is removed.