Kashan
Kashan rugs from central Iran are classic Persian carpets — elegant, finely knotted, and rich in floral patterns.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Persian rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 150,000 – 500,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — city of Kashan, Isfahan Province
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton, sometimes with silk
- Knot density
- 150,000 – 500,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Classic central medallion, fine wool, often dark red palette
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Kashan rugs come from the city of Kashan in the Iranian province of Isfahan. The city lies about 200 kilometres south of Tehran and looks back on a centuries-old rug-knotting tradition. Already in the 16th and 17th centuries, during the Safavid dynasty, Kashan produced high-end rugs valued at the royal court. After a decline in the 18th and 19th centuries, rug production saw a renaissance around 1890, when new workshops were founded and traditional patterns revived.
Characteristics
Kashan rugs are distinguished by exceptionally fine knotting and precise pattern execution. Characteristic are floral medallion designs with a central medallion surrounded by elaborate corner spandrels. The decoration frequently shows palmettes, rosettes, and curling vines on a usually dark ground. Typical colours are deep red, dark blue, and ivory, complemented by warm accents in gold, green, and rose. The border traditionally consists of several narrow stripes with geometric or floral motifs. Modern Kashan rugs also often use lighter ground colours such as beige or ivory.
Material and technique
High-end Kashan rugs are knotted from the finest kork wool sourced from the shoulders and flanks of young lambs. This wool is distinguished by particular sheen and suppleness. The warp is usually cotton, more rarely silk for particularly valuable pieces. Knotting uses the asymmetric Persian (Senneh) knot. First-class Kashan rugs reach knot densities of 400,000 to over a million knots per square metre. After knotting the pile is sheared short, which makes the contours of the patterns stand out particularly sharply. Finally the rug is washed and dried, which gives the material additional sheen.
Worth knowing
Historically Kashan was famous not only for rugs but also for ceramics and tiles. This artistic tradition is reflected in the rugs' particular colour harmonies. The city developed special dyeing techniques that produced the characteristic, luminous tones. Antique Kashan rugs from around 1900 to 1930 are particularly prized and considered collector items today. The name "Kashan" is also sometimes used for rugs from other Persian cities knotted in the Kashan style. Indian workshops today produce Indo Kashan rugs that adopt the traditional patterns.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise an authentic Kashan rug?
Genuine Kashan rugs from Persia show an extremely fine, even knotting with asymmetric knots. The back reveals a clean, sharp pattern. Characteristic are the high-quality materials, the silky sheen of the kork wool, and precise pattern execution without distortions.
How do I care for a Kashan rug properly?
Regular vacuuming in the pile direction and professional cleaning every three to five years are recommended. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent fading. For stains, prompt expert treatment is important, as the fine fibres can be sensitive.
What does a Kashan rug cost?
Prices vary widely with age, size, knot density, and condition. New Kashan rugs start around €1,000 per square metre, while antique pieces or those of exceptional quality can command significantly higher prices.
Is a Kashan rug suitable for high-traffic rooms?
Because of the fine knotting and short pile, Kashan rugs are better suited to representative rooms with low to moderate use. In heavily trafficked areas the fine fibres can wear faster.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Kashan rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
Master weavers
These masters and workshops have shaped the Kashan tradition.
