Kashan Carpets

Kashan, located in North central Iran is one of the major rug weaving center. Kashan carpets/ Kashan rugs woven here are unique in their style and have distinctive patterns. Kashan style, carpets are imitated in other parts of Iran as well as other countries such as India, China and Pakistan. Rug and carpet weaving in Kashan dates back to 16th Century. It was the major production and trading center from where the rugs were exported to different parts of the world. However the production has not been continuous. The Afghan invasion of 1722 led to the decline of the industry. The industry again revived in in the second half of the 19th century. In mid of early 20th century, the finest quality rugs from Kashan were called Mohtashem.

From 1890 to 1930 the main source of Kashan wool was Manchester UK. The wool was soft and was obtained from merino sheep. However after 1930 Sabzavar became the main source of wool.

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Pattern and Design
The pattern followed on the Kashan carpet is generally curvilinear. The carpets are classy and can be recognized easily. One of the design that is popularly represented on the Kashan carpets is an elongated diamond-shaped and lobed medallion having floral (usually Shah Abbasi) pendants. The medallion, corners and the borders of the Kashan carpet is filled with Shah Abbasi and islimi motifs. Other designs include vase, hunting and pictorial. Arabasques and palmettes are predominantly present in the rug. Kashan carpets come in different sizes but the majority belongs to mid size.

The distinctiveness of the Kashan carpets lie in their method of formation. Kashan carpets are given typical shape through alternating curved lines and right angles. Flanking the borders are the guard stripes with geometrical designs, normally tiny blue and red triangles.

Colors
Nearly all types of colors are used on the Kashan carpets. Navy color, red, ivory and beige are the common colors for the background. Colors used in designs are blue, white, brown, ocher, green, turquoise and beige.

Weaving style
The texture of the Kashan carpets is soft and it uses soft wool and a thin, tight pile. Warp and weft or the foundation is usually cotton. In fine pieces, the foundation is of silk. Knot of the weave is usually Persian (asymmetric). The weave is fine. Number of knots decide the quality of the carpets which varies from carpet to carpet.

About Kashan
Kashan is a beautiful city situated in the desert province of Isfahan. The city is famous for its beautiful handicraft and floor covering products. Kashan carpets are famous worldwide. Kashan is also renowned for its silk, ceramics, copperware and rosewater. Kashan was also the center of civilization in pre- historic period. It also saw the dynastic rules of various dynasties important of them being-Seljuk dynasty and Safavi dynasty. The city is adorned with number of beautiful structures and architectures. The popular of them being-

• Shahzadeh shrine
• Borujerdis Old House
• Fin gardens
• The Agha Bozorg Mosque
• Part of the Tabatabaei House and the number goes on.