Joshaghan
Joshaghan rugs come from a village near Kashan and stand out with their distinctive diamond lattice in finely knotted compartments.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Persian rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 120,000 – 250,000 knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — Joshaghan village, Isfahan Province
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton
- Knot density
- 120,000 – 250,000 knots/m²
- Features
- Diamond lattice, finely knotted compartments, deep reds
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Joshaghan rugs come from the eponymous town of Joshaghan in Isfahan Province in central Persia. The town lies about 60 kilometres north-west of Isfahan and has been known for its characteristic rugs for centuries. The region belongs to the heartland of Persian rug knotting and benefits from its proximity to other major knotting centres such as Isfahan and Nain.
Characteristics
The most characteristic feature of Joshaghan rugs is the so-called "diamond and flower" pattern (Persian: Toranj-o-Gol). It consists of diamond-shaped medallions arranged regularly across the entire field. Each medallion is filled with stylised floral motifs, while the spaces between are decorated with smaller floral elements.
The palette is typically Persian, comprising mainly warm reds for the ground, complemented by dark blue, cream, and occasionally green. Borders mostly show classical Persian patterns such as HeratiHeratiKlassisches Muster aus einem Rautenrahmen mit zentraler Rosette und vier gebogenen Blättern (Fisch-Motiv). Sehr verbreitet in persischen Dorfteppichen.Read in glossary → designs or palmettePalmetteStilisierte Lotusblütenform als zentrales Medaillon-Element. Klassisches Motiv persischer Werkstatt-Teppiche seit dem 16. Jahrhundert.Read in glossary → borders. The patterning is geometrically structured but loosened by the floral elements.
Material and technique
Joshaghan rugs are traditionally knotted on a cotton warp and weft, with the pile in high-quality cork wool. Knot density usually lies between 160,000 and 300,000 knots per square metre, placing them among the medium-fine to fine Persian rugs. The Persian (Senneh) knot is used.
The wool is traditionally dyed with natural colours, with madder for the reds and indigoIndigoPflanzlicher Farbstoff aus der Indigopflanze, der tiefe Blautöne erzeugt. Einer der wichtigsten Naturfarbstoffe orientalischer Teppiche.Read in glossary → for the blues. This gives the rugs their characteristic colour depth and durability. The pile is sheared medium-long, striking a good balance between pattern clarity and durability.
Worth knowing
The town of Joshaghan was already a known knotting centre in the 16th and 17th centuries. Historical examples from this period are considered collector pieces today. The characteristic diamond pattern has barely changed over the centuries and has become a hallmark of the region.
It is interesting that the Joshaghan pattern was also adopted in other Persian knotting regions — usually with regional variations in colour and execution. Original Joshaghan rugs stand out for their particularly harmonious colour balance and precise geometric arrangement.
Frequently asked questions
How do I recognise an authentic Joshaghan rug?
Authentic Joshaghan rugs show the characteristic diamond-and-flower pattern with evenly distributed diamonds across the entire field. The back should display a clear pattern and show the typical Persian knotting.
Are Joshaghan rugs durable?
Yes — thanks to the medium-fine to fine knot density and the use of high-quality cork wool, Joshaghan rugs are very hard-wearing and suitable for daily use.
What sizes are Joshaghan rugs produced in?
Joshaghan rugs are produced in various standard sizes, from small formats (around 150 × 100 cm) to large living-room rugs (300 × 200 cm and above). Runners are also common.
How has the Joshaghan design developed?
The basic pattern has remained largely unchanged for centuries, though over time colour variations and small detail modifications have been introduced to suit modern tastes without losing the traditional character.
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Joshaghan rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
