Kashan Rugs - "The Palace Carpet"

Kashan rugs are frequently referred to as the 'palace carpet' . Kashan rugs have beautifully balanced designs of well-proportioned flowers, palmettes and other traditional details. Kashan rugs are unique and legendary in their appeal. The Kashan rugs distinctive patterns are dense in design, usually with a single medallion in the center surrounded by extensive floral motifs including rosettes, blossoms adn leaves. This rug was frequently found hanging on ancient palace walls, and to this day, is commonly known as the palace carpet due to its perfectly proportioned details.

The famous asymmetrical Persian knot is the only one used in the weaving of these fine carpets, with patterns ranging from the classic medallion, through fields of Shah Abbas flowers, to magnificent pictorial and hunting scenes. The materials can be all wool, all silk (the famous "Silk Kashans'), or a combination of the two. The foundations are generally of cotton, except in the finest pieces where it is of pure silk.

History of Kashan rugs

Kashan is an ancient Persian city in central Iran. It has a long history of carpet weaving dating from the 16th century. In the past, kings and rulers from far and wide would come in person to purchase Kashan rugs from. On display in major museums around the world, some older pieces date from the 16th or 17th century when Kashan was given one of the first Royal workshops, and became one of main centres responsible for the legend of the Persian carpet.

By the end of the Second World War, it was estimated that the city of Kashan could operate some 12,000 professional looms simultaneously.