Nain
Nain rugs from the desert town between Isfahan and Yazd are exceptionally fine and known for their cool ivory-and-blue palette.
- Region
- Persia / Iran
- Category
- Persian rugs
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Knot density
- 200,000 – 1,000,000+ knots/m²
Profile
- Manufacturing
- Hand-knotted
- Origin
- Iran — town of Nain, Isfahan Province
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton with silk inlays
- Knot density
- 200,000 – 1,000,000+ knots/m²
- Features
- Very fine knotting, ivory ground, blue-and-rose tones, silk highlights
Photo: Morgenland Rugs
Origin
Nain rugs come from the city of Nain in the Iranian province of Isfahan, about 150 kilometres east of the city of Isfahan. Rug production in Nain only began in the 1930s, when the city's traditional textile industry declined. Local craftspeople turned to rug knotting and quickly developed a distinctive style that gained international recognition.
Characteristics
Nain rugs are distinguished by their light, elegant colour palette. Beige, ivory, and cream tones dominate, combined with soft blues and restrained reds. Patterns are classically Persian and often show the Shah Abbas palmettePalmetteStilisierte Lotusblütenform als zentrales Medaillon-Element. Klassisches Motiv persischer Werkstatt-Teppiche seit dem 16. Jahrhundert.Read in glossary → motif, Shah Abbas vines, and floral ornaments. Central medallions with surrounding corner spandrels are typical of larger formats.
The rugs have a very high knot density between 400,000 and over a million knots per square metre. This allows extremely fine pattern detail and a silken surface. The pile is cut relatively short, which makes the precise contours of the ornaments stand out particularly well.
Material and technique
Nain rugs are knotted on a cotton warp. The pile is high-quality kork wool, often combined with silk threads. In the finest qualities, up to 50 percent silk can be used, mainly for contours and accents. This silk content gives the rugs their characteristic silken sheen.
Knotting uses the asymmetric Senneh knot. Nain rugs are traditionally classified by their knot density: 4la, 6la, 9la, and 12la, where a lower la number means a higher knot density. 4la rugs are among the finest and most valuable examples.
Worth knowing
Despite a history of only about 90 years, Nain rugs have undergone a remarkable development. They are considered the epitome of modern Persian rug arts and are valued by collectors worldwide. The city of Nain was originally known for its textile production before the craftspeople turned to rug knotting.
Nain rug production is heavily family-based. Many weaver families have developed their own quality standards and are named after generations of master weavers. This contributes to the high and consistent quality of Nain rugs.
Frequently asked questions
What does the la classification mean on Nain rugs?
The la classification refers to the number of warp plies used for knotting. 4la means four plies, 6la six plies, and so on. Paradoxically, a lower la number means a higher knot density and therefore a finer quality.
How do Nain rugs differ from Isfahan rugs?
Although both styles come from the same region, Nain rugs are typically lighter in colouring and have a higher silk content. Isfahan rugs often show bolder colours and more traditional patterns, while Nain rugs represent a more modern, elegant style.
Are all Nain rugs knotted with silk?
Not all, but most high-end Nain rugs contain silk. It is mainly used for details and contours. Pure-wool Nain rugs do exist but are less common than the wool-and-silk combinations.
Why are Nain rugs relatively expensive?
The high prices reflect the extremely high knot density, the silk content, the elaborate handwork, and the excellent material quality. A 4la Nain rug can require several years of work from an experienced weaver.
Quality grades
Nain rugs are made in various quality grades. Each grade differs in knot density, material, and price.
Nain 4la
Shop →The coarsest Nain quality with 4 warp threads per knot. Robust and accessible.
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton
- Knot density
- 200,000 – 350,000 knots/m²
- Features
- 4 warp threads per knot, sturdier Nain quality
Nain 6la
Shop →The most popular Nain quality — a good compromise between fineness and price.
- Pile material
- Wool on cotton with silk inlays
- Knot density
- 350,000 – 500,000 knots/m²
- Features
- 6 warp threads per knot, popular standard quality
Nain 9la
Shop →A fine quality grade with markedly higher knot density and a greater share of silk.
- Pile material
- Cork wool with silk on cotton
- Knot density
- 500,000 – 700,000 knots/m²
- Features
- 9 warp threads per knot, fine quality, silk highlights
Nain 12la
Shop →The finest Nain quality — collector pieces with extremely dense knotting and a high share of silk.
- Pile material
- Cork wool and silk on cotton
- Knot density
- 700,000 – 1,000,000+ knots/m²
- Features
- 12 warp threads per knot, finest Nain quality, high silk share
Impressions of the origin
Places, landscapes and landmarks around the home of Nain rugs. Click any image for a larger view.
Master weavers
These masters and workshops have shaped the Nain tradition.
Related styles
Isfahan
Isfahan rugs from the former Safavid capital are considered the pinnacle of Persian rug knotting — exceptionally fine and elegant.
Qom
Qom rugs from the holy city are among the finest Persian rugs and are particularly prized in pure-silk versions.
Tabriz
Tabriz rugs are among the most refined Persian carpets, known for their finely knotted designs and remarkable variety of patterns.
