Kashan Rugs

The Charm of Kashan

Located in northern Isfahan province, the city of Kashan presents a delightful destination for travellers throughout the year. Framed by deserts to the north and east, Kashan offers stunning views of quaint villages and picturesque cities nestled in the slopes and heights of Karkas. These scenic locales, with their magnificent natural vistas and mountainous terrain, welcome all guests visiting this historic city.

Historical Significance

Around 5000 BC, the earliest settlers of the Iranian plateau migrated to the plains due to climatic changes and the emergence of fields and grasslands. Kashan’s historical roots tie back to these ancient human settlements on the central plateau of Iran, notably Sialk. Renowned as one of the founding sites of human civilisation, Kashan’s history stretches back around 7,000 years, as evidenced by archaeological findings in the Sialk Hills. These people, overthrown by the Aryans over 5000 years ago, left behind memorable artifacts, including long tubs with horse and sun motifs, iron armour, and weapons like swords and spears.

The Legacy of Kashan Rugs

Kashan has been home to the beautiful craft of rug-making since the 16th and 17th centuries, during the Safavid dynasty. Scholars believe some smaller silk designs originated in the early 16th century. Kashan, a favourite holiday retreat for many Safavid rulers, boasts remarkable architecture, including stunning holiday homes. These architectural wonders have mutually influenced the rugs of Kashan and the city’s artists and architects. The rugs produced in Kashan are instantly recognisable, and many consider them among the most exquisite and renowned Persian rugs. Typically, they feature a central medallion on a red field with navy and ivory borders, knotted using the Persian (or asymmetrical) knot on a cotton or, for the finest rugs, a silk foundation.

The Craftsmanship Behind Kashan Rugs

With Kashan surrounded by desert, local material sources are scarce. Initially, Merino wool imported from Manchester was used to weave some of Iran’s finest carpets. More recently, Kashan rugs utilise wool sourced from Sabzevar, known for producing some of the best wool in Iran. Currently, one-third of Kashan’s residents work in the carpet weaving industry. This artisanal trade is often a family tradition, with mothers passing down their weaving skills to their daughters, and sons learning the art of sheep shearing, wool dyeing, design, and loom set-up.

To get a closer look at the intricate process of rug weaving in Kashan, please watch below video:

To get a closer look at the intricate process of rug weaving in Kashan, we’ve included a link to a detailed video here.