History & Origin of Kashan Rugs
Kashan rugs stand as a testament to the pinnacle of Persian carpet artistry. Renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, they have long been revered for their beauty and quality. However, caution is advised, as ‘Kashan’ is often misused.
Many rugs falsely labelled as such originate from India and fall significantly short of the genuine article. Authentic Kashan rugs, meticulously handwoven in Iran, boast lustrous wool and intricate silk designs that reflect centuries of tradition.
This guide will delve into their rich history, explore their unique characteristics, and provide valuable insights for seasoned collectors and those embarking on their first Persian rug journey.
The History of Kashan Rug
Kashan rugs, renowned for their quality, originate from the ancient Iranian city of Kashan. Weaving traditions date back to the 16th century. These rugs gained international prominence in the 19th century and remain highly sought-after.
Kashan’s historical significance extends beyond rug weaving. Located near the Sialk Hills, an early centre of civilization, Kashan shares artistic similarities with Sialk’s pottery, which is evident in its ceramic and tile work.
During the Safavid era, Shah Abbas encouraged carpet weaving in Kashan, producing exquisite silk and gold-threaded rugs. Due to their popularity in the Polish court, these were mistakenly called “Polish” carpets.
Famous for their intricate designs and fine craftsmanship, Mohtasham Kashani rugs are considered among the best. However, the “Mohtasham” label often served as a commercial brand rather than indicating the weaver himself.
Kashan’s rich history as a centre of art and commerce, particularly silk production, has contributed to its enduring reputation as a significant producer of high-quality rugs.
Style of Kashan Rugs That Is Frequently Used
Kashan rugs are famous for their exceptional quality. They boast intricate patterns, vibrant colours, and the use of fine materials like wool and silk. These silk rugs often depict floral motifs, medallions, and hunting scenes.
The most common design features a central medallion, usually round or oval, surrounded by corner pieces and a multi-layered border. Both the medallion and corner pieces are typically decorated with elaborate floral designs. Kashan rugs are known for their rich colours, showcasing a vibrant range of reds, blues, greens, and yellows.
Silk Kashan rugs, especially those attributed to Mohtasham, a famous 19th-century weaver, are highly sought after by collectors due to their exceptional softness, lustrous shine, and rarity.
Materials Used in Kashan Rug Making
Kashan rugs typically have a cotton foundation, although older examples may be made entirely of silk. The main part of the rug is woven with wool, often with some silk incorporated. The resulting texture is usually dense but soft to the touch. Traditionally, vegetable dyes were used to achieve this unique texture, but modern rugs often use chemical dyes, which may not produce the same appealing look.
Designs and Patterns in Kashan Rugs
For a subtle and neutral effect, Kashan rugs often feature a muted colour palette with pastel tones. Predominant shades of red, blue, indigo, and ivory are used to fill in the patterns. Some rugs also employ colour shading techniques during weaving to add depth. Rugs with combinations of green and blue against red, blue, or indigo backgrounds are particularly popular.
The typical Kashan rug design centres around a medallion, surrounded by intricate motifs like palmettos, leaves, and arabesques. These designs are densely woven throughout the rug, giving it a unique and distinctive character compared to other Persian rugs.
Kashan rugs are often adorned with:
Kashan rugs often feature a medallion and corner design with small and large flowers. Common motifs include Afshan, Shah Abbasi, Sheikh Safi, prayer niches, floral patterns, and pictorial scenes. Panels with varied motifs within frames and inscriptions are also seen.
The medallion in Kashan carpets is typically oval-shaped, often elongated, giving it a more elegant look. Curled leaves usually surround the medallion and corners.
Traditionally, these carpets had seven border sections, but this has been reduced to three or five over time. The main border usually features two large Shah Abbasi flowers, two serrated leaves, or an Eslimi motif. The Mostofi border, a unique type found in Kashan, is also noteworthy.
Colour Usage and Dyeing Methods in Kashan Rugs
Traditional Kashan carpets feature a colour palette of crimson, cream, and dark blue. Other colours include henna, earthy tones, onion skin hues, and shades of milk, almond, and copper. The main border is typically dark blue in carpets with a crimson background, which is also often used in the medallion.
Historically, Kashan dyers used cochineal insects and the madder plant for a unique shine. Today, most dyes are synthetic, offering a wider range of colours, including deep and light crimson, blue, magenta, turquoise, and shades of beige, white, green, and brown.
Common colours in Kashan rugs include dark and light crimson, blue, green, yellow, black, cream, beige, pink, and indigo. Cream and crimson, especially cream backgrounds, are prevalent in modern Kashan carpets.
What Makes a Kashan Rug Unique
Kashan rugs are crafted using the Persian knotting technique, resulting in asymmetrical knots. The weaving process, including warping and using vertical, predominantly wooden looms, adheres to traditional Persian methods.
These rugs typically have a knot density ranging from 35 to 50 knots per 2.5 inches. The pile is made of wool or silk, while the warp is made of cotton. Shearing occurs during the weaving process.
Rug sizes vary, ranging from approximately 5 to 20 feet in length and 6.5 to 50 feet in width, with some exceptionally large rugs reaching up to 50 feet.
Kashan Rugs Quality
Kashan rugs are among the finest Persian rugs, renowned for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship. They are meticulously hand-knotted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques and fine materials like wool or silk.
Several factors contribute to the quality of a Kashan rug, including knot density, pile height, design complexity, colour harmony, and overall condition.
- Knot Density: A higher knot density signifies a finer weave and a more intricate design. Kashan rugs typically exhibit a knot density ranging from 120 to 840 knots per square inch.
- Pile Height: Kashan rugs usually have a medium to low pile height, resulting in a smooth and elegant appearance.
- Design Complexity: Kashan rugs are celebrated for their intricate and diverse designs, ranging from elaborate floral and geometric patterns to captivating hunting scenes.
- Colour Harmony: Kashan rugs often showcase a vibrant and varied colour palette, with colours skillfully contrasted to create a visually striking effect.
- Condition: The rug’s state of preservation and maintenance significantly impacts its value and appearance. Due to their high quality and durability, Kashan rugs are generally well-preserved.
These factors collectively determine the quality and value of a Kashan rug, making them highly prized among collectors and connoisseurs of Persian art.
Find a Diverse Selection of Persian Kashan Rugs for Sale
Kashan remains a prominent centre for producing some of the world’s finest carpets. Persian Kashan rugs are celebrated for their elegance and sophistication, boasting intricate designs, vibrant colours, and the use of high-quality materials. They are ideal for adding a touch of luxury to any space.
Kashan carpets are renowned worldwide for their exquisite beauty and unique designs. With a history spanning millennia, Kashan has a long-standing tradition of crafting carpets with exceptional skill and attention to detail. These carpets feature vibrant colours and intricate patterns inspired by nature and ancient traditions, offering aesthetic appeal and a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
At Bijan, we offer a diverse selection of Persian Kashan rugs for sale. Explore our online catalogue to view our collection firsthand. We provide hassle-free returns and a best-price guarantee. Discover unique Kashan rugs to enhance your home.
If you have any questions or require assistance selecting the perfect rug, our team is here to help. Contact us now.