Kashan Rugs: A Tribute to the Safavid Dynasty of the Persian Empire
Kashan rugs are an export from one of Iran’s oldest cities, Kashan, dating back to the 17th century or late 16th century. Kashan was a hub of silk production beginning with the Safavid dynasty, a golden age of Persian weaving under the reign of Shah Abbas.
Contemporary Kashan rug sales began toward the end of the 19th century, when Kashan merchants hoped to replicate the success of weaving shops in Tabriz to the north. During this era, many antique Kashan rugs were commissioned for individual homes. The best Kashan carpets of the 19th-century and turn of the 20th century are formal, traditional and luxurious.
The warp and weft of Kashan rugs are usually made of cotton with the traditional asymmetrical Persian know. The thin double weft is often woven between 120 knots per square inch and 840 knots per square inch. The finished texture of Kashan rugs is soft to the touch. The best Kashan carpets use a superior quality of wool that sometimes has silk mixed in.
An antique Kashan rug was colored with vegetable dyes, which contribute to their unique texture, but modern Kashan rugs (from the 1930s) use contemporary chrome dyes.
The highly sought after curvilinear designs of Kashan weaving was popularized by Kashan weavers in the early 1900s. The Kashan rug typically centers around a teardrop medallion, though intricately detailed motifs like palmettos, blossoms, leaves and arabesques are common, as well. The “Royal Garden” of Kashan is the source of a notable garden motif that is the archetype of Persian carpet designs. Another inspiration for many Kashan carpets is the “Garden of Paradise.”
Pakistani Kashan Rugs
When the Mogul empire spread through Iran to the Indian subcontinent, the work of Persian weavers was carried to modern day Pakistan. The city of Lahore today produces the vast majority of modern Pakistani Kashan rugs.
Like their Iranian forebears, Pakistani Kashans use a wool pile on a cotton base. Mogul Kashan rugs use the Senneh knot, an asymmetrical double knot that produces a dense, heavy weave, making them extremely durable. One of the main distinctions between Iranian and Pakistani Kashan rugs is the use of color. Pakistani Kashans feature predominantly pastel shades, whereas a traditional Persian Kashan carpet may include richer reds, greens and blues.
Motasham Kashan Carpets: Exceptional…and Exceptionally Rare
Motasham Kashan carpets are the rarest group of Kashan carpets. They feature non-traditional designs and color palettes and were woven with lamb’s wool renowned for its luminous, reflective sheen. True Motasham Kashan rugs are finely knotted and extremely difficult to find.
Dating from the middle of the 19th century, antique Motasham Kashan carpets are among the finest Persian carpets. Early Motasham Kashan rugs (pre-1850) use a technique known as abrash, marked by an emotive use of color shading and color shifts. They commonly feature an antique ivory or gold background and subtle pastel tones throughout the weave. Over time, the dyes in an antique Motasham rug will soften and acquire an earthy patina. The rich lanolin will rise to the surface of the wool fibers over time, given the rug an extraordinary luster.
What is the history of Kashan rugs?
Kashan rugs are a type of Persian rug that originated in the city of Kashan, Iran. Kashan rugs are known for their high quality and durability, making them a popular choice for both home and commercial settings.
How are Kashan rugs made?
Kashan rugs are typically made with silver or white thread and feature intricate designs. The threads are tightly woven together to create a sturdy and durable rug. Kashan rugs often feature patterns that include flowers, birds, and geometric shapes.
What are the different types of Kashan rugs?
There are two main types of Kashan rugs: machine-made and hand-made. Machine-made Kashan rugs are typically less expensive than hand-made rugs, but they are not as high quality. Hand-made Kashan rugs are more expensive, but they are made with higher quality materials and craftsmanship.
What are the most popular Kashan rug designs?
Some of the most popular Kashan rug designs include floral patterns, geometric shapes, and birds.
What are the dimensions of a typical Kashan rug?
Kashan rugs typically range in size from 3x5 feet to 9x12 feet.
What is the price range for Kashan rugs?
Kashan rugs typically range in price from $500 to $5,000.
Where can I buy a Kashan rug?
You can purchase Kashan rugs from many different retailers, both online and offline. Here at Rug Source, we have a wide selection of Kashan rugs available for purchase.
How do I care for a Kashan rug?
Kashan rugs should be vacuumed regularly and cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. It is also important to avoid exposing Kashan rugs to direct sunlight, as this can cause the colors to fade over time.
What are the benefits of owning a Kashan rug?
Kashan rugs are known for their durability and luxurious feel. They are also a great way to add a touch of elegance to any room in your home.
Are there any drawbacks to owning a Kashan rug?
The only downside to owning a Kashan rug is that it can be quite expensive. However, their durability and luxury make them well worth the investment.
How long does it take to make a Kashan rug?
It usually takes about two months to complete a Kashan rug.
How big is a Kashan rug?
Kashan rugs can range in size from small to large. The average Kashan rug is about 9 feet by 12 feet.
Who designed Kashan rugs?
The earliest Kashan rugs were designed by Persian weavers in the city of Kashan, Iran.
Who wove Kashan rugs?
The weavers of Kashan rugs were skilled artisans who hailed from the city of Kashan in central Iran. These weavers were known for their ability to produce finely detailed rugs, which often featured intricate patterns and delicate colors.
Who commissioned Kashan rugs?
Kashan rugs were often commissioned by wealthy Persian families who desired a luxurious and opulent rug for their homes.
Who used Kashan rugs?
Kashan rugs were used by many different people including royalty and other wealthy individuals. Kashan was a center of rug production and its rugs were highly sought after.
What is the traditional design of a Kashan rug?
Kashan rugs often feature a central medallion surrounded by an intricate border. The colors used in Kashan rugs are typically soft and subdued, with a focus on blue and ivory hues.
What colors are used in Kashan rugs?
Kashan rugs typically feature soft and subdued colors, with a focus on blue and ivory hues.
Where are Kashan rugs made?
Kashan rugs are traditionally made in the city of Kashan, located in Iran.
Where can I find Kashan rugs for sale?
Kashan rugs can be found for sale at many online retailers and rug dealers. Rug Source is a trusted source for high-quality Kashan rugs.
Where do Kashan rugs come from?
Kashan rugs are made in the city of Kashan, which is located in central Iran. The city has been the center of the Iranian rug-making industry for centuries, and today, Kashan rugs are some of the most sought-after Persian rugs in the world.