The original Gabbeh rugs came from the East and were functional, practical, quite rough and ready rugs. They were often quite coarsely knotted and unrefined, with the coarse wool being undyed, allowing the natural colour to stand out. The rugs were usually quite plain, with oddly stylised animals and plants. The honesty and simplicity of these pieces have now been captured by mainly Afghan weavers, who have revisited them, retaining some of the characteristics but, more importantly, making them closer knotted and finer. 

Many of these rugs have a pictorial design, making them very interesting and eye-catching.