Kashmar

Origin

Kashmar rugs come from the eponymous town of Kashmar in the north-eastern province of Razavi Khorasan in Iran. The town lies about 200 kilometres south of Mashhad and has a centuries-old tradition of rug knotting. The region belongs to the great Persian rug belt and benefits from its proximity to important trade routes that mattered already in antiquity. Kashmar rugs are classed among the Persian rugs and represent the classical Persian knotting tradition of this region.

Characteristics

Kashmar rugs are distinguished by their characteristic geometric and floral patterns. Typical are medallion designs with elaborate corner fillings as well as all-over patterns with stylised flowers and vines. The traditional palette runs to warm tones such as red, blue, beige, and cream, with darker reds often dominating. Borders are mostly multi-tiered and show classical Persian motifs such as palmettes, rosettes, or geometric bands. Knot density typically lies between 100,000 and 300,000 knots per square metre, producing medium to fine resolution of pattern detail.

Material and technique

Kashmar rugs predominantly use sheep's wool, both for the pile and for warp and weft. The wool mostly comes from local production and is dyed with both natural and synthetic dyes. The base is a cotton warp that provides stability and form retention. The knotting technique follows the Persian (Senneh) knot, tied asymmetrically. Average pile height is 8–12 mm, lending the rugs a pleasant texture. High-quality pieces may also include silk in the pile, providing extra sheen and finer pattern definition.

Worth knowing

Rug production in Kashmar had its heyday in the 20th century, when international demand for Persian rugs rose sharply. Many Kashmar rugs were produced specifically for export and adapted to Western tastes. The town developed into a major centre for mid-priced quality rugs. Today both traditional patterns and modern interpretations of classical designs are knotted. Kashmar rugs count as robust everyday rugs with good value for money and suit both residential and commercial spaces.