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Discover the magic of Persian artistry with our comprehensive collection of Nain Rugs. Hand-knotted, intricate designs, and luxurious materials characterise these timeless pieces, adding an aura of elegance to any space. Explore our curated archive and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Nain Rugs — where tradition meets luxury.
Hand-Knotted Persian Nain rugs represent the pinnacle of Persian carpet weaving, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, intricate designs, and luxurious feel. These rugs are named after the city of Nain, located in the Isfahan province of Iran, which has a rich history and deep-rooted tradition in rug weaving.
Situated on the fringes of the expansive Dasht-e-Kavir desert and 200 kilometres east of Isfahan, the scenic city of Nain unfolds. This place is adorned with iconic clay structures and houses one of Iran’s most ancient mosques, with remnants dating back to the 10th century. Compared to age-old weaving centres such as Kashan, Isfahan, and Yazd, Nain is a recent entrant to the world of carpet making. Initially known for crafting Isfahan carpets, Nain began carving its own niche in the mid-1930s. It quickly gained recognition for its finely crafted, precise designs, a testament to the superior quality of the local workshops. Fathollah Habibian (1903-1995), the mastermind behind one of Nain’s most renowned workshops, is often hailed as ‘the father of Nain rugs’. Together with his brother Mohammed, he has been crafting exquisite carpets since his school years and has left an indelible mark on the world of Nain rugs.
The city of Nain, located in the heart of Iran, has a long-standing tradition of rug weaving. Its history as a rug production centre can be traced back centuries. The people of Nain, with their inherent artistic talent and deep appreciation for craftsmanship, have nurtured the art of rug weaving for generations.
The city’s geographical location, surrounded by mountains and vast plains, provides the weavers with access to high-quality wool and natural dyes. The rug weaving craft has been passed down from parents to children, and the weavers in Nain take immense pride in their work, striving to create masterpieces that reflect their rich cultural heritage.
The weavers in Nain have developed a unique style and expertise in creating intricate patterns, utilizing fine materials, and achieving impeccable craftsmanship. They often work in small workshops, where the art of rug weaving is preserved and cherished. The process involves meticulous attention to detail, with weavers employing traditional techniques and tools to bring the designs to life.
Today, Nain rugs are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide, admired for their timeless beauty and exceptional quality. They serve as a testament to the skill, dedication, and artistry of the people of Nain, who have transformed their city into a renowned centre for rug weaving, leaving a legacy in the world of Persian carpets.
Traditional Nain rugs, with their distinctive oriental design, stand as some of the world’s most stunning Persian rugs. Originating from the eponymous city, Nain, these rugs typically feature an elegant and precious combination of blue and white hues, often centred around a medallion motif.
Design-wise, Nain rugs are celebrated for their elegant and timeless motifs. They often feature a central medallion design, surrounded by intricate floral patterns, arabesques, and delicate curvilinear motifs. The colour palette of Nain rugs is typically soft and soothing, dominated by shades of ivory, cream, blue, and beige. The use of silk accents in the pile adds a subtle luminosity and sheen to the overall design, enhancing its elegance and allure.
Nain city’s carpets carry a high esteem and enjoy immense popularity. Their superior materials and exceptional workmanship are second to none. Remarkably, the knot density of these rugs often exceeds one million knots per square meter. The finer, more exclusive carpets boast a composition of wool on a silk warp, or silk featured in both the warp and weft, as well as the pile.
The craftsmanship involved in creating Hand-Knotted Persian Nain rugs is nothing short of remarkable. Highly skilled artisans devote countless hours to meticulously hand-knot each rug, using techniques passed down through generations. The density of knots in a Nain rug is exceptionally high, resulting in a dense and plush pile that is soft to the touch.
One of the factors that contribute to the allure of Nain rugs is the high-quality wool and silk used in their construction. The wool is sourced from local sheep, known for producing a fine and lustrous fleece, while the silk threads are carefully spun to enhance the rug’s brilliance. The combination of these premium materials, along with the intricate knotting technique, ensures that Nain rugs possess exceptional durability and a luxurious feel.
Nain carpets often display a medallion motif at the center, paired with arabesques and floral patterns. Their striking resemblance to the rugs from the neighbouring city of Isfahan is noteworthy. Among the less commonly found Nain carpets is the “Nain Tuteshk”, revered for its refined craftsmanship and consequently, in high demand. However, it is not uncommon to find lesser-quality carpets bearing similar patterns and colours being sold under the Nain name.
The knot density of Nain rugs often surpasses a staggering one million knots per square metre. The construction of these Persian treasures involves the use of depressed warps – up & down cords made of cotton, and two shoots of cotton wefts or side-to-side cords. This depression of the warps occurs when the wefts are drawn taut from either side, resulting in a two-level displacement of the warps. The rug pile, woven from wool using an asymmetrical (Persian) knot, is trimmed short to accentuate the design elements sharply. The wool, known as “Kourk”, is typically finer than that used in standard Persian wool. Like the high-end Isfahan rugs, Nain rugs may also feature silk instead of cotton foundations. You will almost certainly notice ivory silk outlining the design motifs such as flowers and birds in most Nain rugs.
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We have over 5,000 rugs in stock; the listings on this site represent a small selection of our extensive range. Please visit us in store to explore our collections.
