Persian Rug Kashan 225 x 140 cm hand-knotted (Sold)

Kashan Persian Rug

Material and Craftsmanship

This Kashan Persian rug is hand-knotted. Its construction is based on a method in which individual knots are tied by hand into the foundation of the rug. The process requires careful, time-consuming work and allows the surface design to be built knot by knot. The pile is made of 100% wool and silk, while the warp is 100% cotton. Wool and silk bring different textile qualities to the pile: wool is known for its softness, durability, and natural ability to insulate against heat loss, while silk contributes a fine and smooth surface character. The cotton warp forms the foundation to which the knots are attached.

The knot density of this rug is 360,000 knots per square metre. A dense knot structure supports the detailed rendering of lines, floral forms, and transitions between individual ornaments. Knot density is therefore an important part of the craft classification of a hand-knotted rug. It also reflects the amount of individual work involved, since every knot is placed separately. The result is a textile object in which the material, foundation, knotting method, and design are closely connected.

The Kashan rug combines a traditional hand-knotting technique with a pile of wool and silk. Wool is valued for its resilient yet pleasant handle and for its insulating qualities. Silk adds a finer surface effect to the pile. Together with the cotton warp, these materials create a textile ground capable of carrying a clearly articulated floral composition. The professional washing recorded for this piece is part of its stated condition and complements its traditional construction.

Origin and Tradition

Kashan is a city in Iran and an established centre of Persian carpet tradition. The city and its surrounding region are associated with rugs featuring carefully developed floral compositions. The history of carpet weaving in Kashan reaches back to the thirteenth century. Over time, a regional vocabulary developed in which technical precision, ordered field arrangements, and ornamental plant forms work together.

A Persian rug from Kashan belongs to a tradition in which a carpet can be more than a practical household textile. In Persian culture, carpets have served as part of domestic life, as expressions of artistic design, and as indicators of status. Weavers translate planned designs into a regularly knotted structure, joining practical textile production with ornament. Kashan therefore represents a place where carpet making remained closely connected with regional culture across generations.

Kashan rugs are commonly associated with a carefully organised central field, a defined border system, and an abundance of stylised botanical forms. Medallions and geometric elements may also form part of this design language. The composition is often based on balance: motifs may be repeated, mirrored, or arranged within an overarching grid. This structure allows a broad surface to contain many details while retaining visual coherence.

The history of Kashan also explains why the city’s name is linked in carpet studies with refined workmanship and opulent ornament. The tradition is not limited to one single pattern. It arises from the interaction of design, material, and knotting technique. Wool, silk, and cotton can serve different purposes within a rug: the pile carries the visible drawing, the warp provides the foundation, and hand-knotting transfers the planned form into the textile one knot at a time. This creates the characteristic meeting point between Persian ornament and textile craftsmanship.

Design and Pattern

The pattern of this rug is identified as Kashan Floral. Its defining character is therefore a floral composition associated with Kashan design. Floral patterns may combine blossoms, leaves, vines, and stylised botanical shapes. They are not intended as literal botanical studies; instead, natural forms are transformed into ornamental symbols and placed within an organised rug design.

Kashan designs frequently bring together floral motifs, medallions, and stylised geometric forms. A medallion can establish the centre of a composition, while vines and blossoms occupy the surrounding field. Geometric shapes provide additional structure. The combination of flowing botanical lines with more clearly defined geometric contours produces a balanced and ordered visual language.

The colour range associated with Kashan Floral designs often includes rich, deep tones. Red and blue may be combined with soft gold and beige shades. Colour relationships can clarify the hierarchy of the pattern: darker areas provide separation, while lighter nuances bring attention to blossoms, vines, and individual ornamental passages. Colour is therefore not merely decorative; it also helps the viewer read the arrangement of the design.

In a hand-knotted rug, the floral design is not printed onto the finished surface. It is built into the pile during the knotting process. Every contour and line depends on the arrangement of the knots. A high knot density supports the detailed depiction of smaller motifs and finer transitions. Kashan Floral therefore brings together the region’s established design vocabulary and the specific technical execution of a hand-knotted piece. The pattern remains ordered and ornamental while retaining the individual character of handwork.

Floral ornament in Persian carpet design can be understood as a visual organisation of natural forms. Blossoms and vines do not stand apart from one another; they are placed in relationships shaped by repetition, axes, and borders. This allows the eye to move between individual details and the composition as a whole. The combination of detail and structure is central to the design tradition associated with Kashan.

Special Features

The stated features of this piece include its dense knotting, a pile of 100% wool and silk, and a warp of 100% cotton. It is hand-knotted and carries the Kashan Floral pattern. Its condition is described as top condition, and it has been professionally washed. These details describe both the textile construction and the condition of this one-off Kashan Persian rug.

Wool has natural dirt-resistant properties and generally needs measured, careful maintenance to preserve its surface. This rug is also described as suitable for rooms with underfloor heating. Wool can provide good thermal insulation and help retain warmth underfoot. Its dense knotting and stated workmanship are described as supporting use across generations.

Ease of care does not mean that regular cleaning should be omitted. A restrained cleaning routine is appropriate for a pile made from wool and silk. The recorded top condition and professional washing are part of this rug’s specific features. Together with the traditional hand-knotting and floral design, they provide a clear description of the offered Kashan Persian rug.

FAQ

How should I care for my Kashan Persian rug?

For routine care, vacuum the rug regularly on a low setting. This removes loose dirt while avoiding unnecessary stress on the pile. A rug made from wool and silk should be treated gently during cleaning. Stains should be addressed as soon as possible with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning product. Aggressive chemicals should not be used, as they can affect the textile surface and the appearance of the materials. Carpet protectors are also recommended. A careful and moderate maintenance routine helps preserve the hand-knotted structure and the clarity of the floral design over time.

Can I place the rug in a room with underfloor heating?

Yes. This hand-knotted Kashan Persian rug is suitable for rooms with underfloor heating. The wool provides good thermal insulation and can help retain warmth underfoot. This makes the rug compatible with the use of underfloor heating in a living space. It should lie flat and be maintained regularly so that dust and loose particles do not remain in the pile. Suitability for underfloor heating is one of the stated properties of this particular piece.

Is the rug suitable for allergy sufferers?

Yes, a wool rug such as this Kashan Persian rug is described as suitable for allergy sufferers. Wool has natural dirt-resistant properties. Regular cleaning remains important so that dust does not accumulate. Careful vacuuming on a low setting is suitable for routine maintenance. For stains, use a damp cloth with a mild cleaning product; aggressive chemicals are not recommended. The allergy suitability does not remove the need for regular care. It relates to the natural properties of wool together with keeping the surface clean and routinely maintained.