Antique Kashan Handwoven Traditional Rug, J72056

This rug originates from Persia (modern-day Iran) and embodies the distinctive Kashan design, a style known for its traditional aesthetics and intricate patterns. Crafted around 1920, the rug features an ivory background with a light blue border. The piece is woven from wool on a cotton foundation, a common material choice that combines durability with the rich texture of natural fibers.

Kashan rugs hail from their namesake city, a historical hub of textile production, especially renowned since the Safavid era. Kashan has been noted for producing some of the finest Persian carpets, often featuring highly intricate patterns. The region’s carpets often include a central medallion surrounded by elaborate floral and botanical designs, complemented by a series of smaller borders that are meticulously developed, portraying details such as birds and flowers.

Prominent figures like Hadji Mullah Mohammed Hassan Mohtasham led the revival of Kashan carpets towards their classical standards, using techniques and materials that elevated these rugs to new heights. Typically, the rugs incorporate first-shearing lambswool, sometimes mixed with silk, which imparts a luxurious, soft, and dense texture, often described as having a handkerchief-like feel. The natural dyes used in these rugs contribute to their enduring visual appeal.

Kashan carpets are celebrated for their clarity of design and the complexity of their motifs. The level of detail seen in these rugs often requires close examination to appreciate fully the intricate artistry and craftsmanship involved. Throughout history, Kashan’s rugs have stood out for their high quality, making them sought after for both their aesthetic value and functional use.

In this particular rug, the intricate swirling floral and geometric patterns extend across the entire surface, characterized by a detailed design rich with traditional elements. The primarily ivory background allows the other colors to stand out distinctly. The floral motifs, intertwined with vines, leaves, and blossoms, create a cohesive and harmonious design that is centrally anchored by a symmetrical medallion.

The borders of this rug are carefully composed, with the outermost being a light blue band decorated with smaller repeating motifs of flowers and geometric designs. Inside this, additional bands, each with its intricate floral patterns, frame the central field, establishing a balanced and orderly aesthetic that is typical of Kashan rugs.

This 1920s Kashan rug, with its traditional Persian patterns and meticulous craftsmanship, continues to reflect the rich weaving traditions of its origin, offering a glimpse into the historical artistry of Persian carpet making.