Persian Rug Kashan 360 x 243 cm Wool Hand-knotted

Kashan Persian Rug

Material and Craftsmanship

This Kashan Persian rug is hand-knotted, with a pile made from 100% virgin wool. The warp and weft are made from 100% cotton. Cotton forms the textile foundation, while virgin wool creates the visible surface. Wool is traditionally valued in hand-knotted rugs for its soft handle and durable character. It gives the pile a warm, tactile feel and carries the colour and drawing of the design.

The knot density is approximately 300,000 knots per square metre. A high knot density allows contours, lines and smaller ornaments to be rendered with greater differentiation. In hand knotting, each knot is inserted individually into the foundation. The work therefore progresses step by step and requires skill, patience and consistent attention. The pattern is not simply applied to the finished surface; it is built into the textile as the knots are made.

The cotton warp and weft provide the structural framework of the rug. Knots are worked into this framework to form the pile. The visible wool threads carry the surface colour and the drawn motifs. This combination of a cotton foundation and wool pile is a traditional technical arrangement in hand-knotted rugs. It distinguishes the piece from a machine-made floor covering, whose construction and surface are produced by a different process.

Origin and Tradition

The Kashan rug belongs to the tradition associated with the city of Kashan in Iran. Kashan is located in Isfahan Province and is known for a carpet-making history extending over centuries. The city holds an important place in the history of Persian rug art. Rugs connected with Kashan are associated with carefully organised ornament, considered surface division and attentive hand craftsmanship.

Persian rugs are produced in many different regions, each with its own established forms, patterns and working habits. Kashan is associated with designs in which floral arrangements and stylised geometric shapes play an important part. These patterns are passed from one generation to another, developed in workshops and adapted to individual compositions. Regional identity is expressed not only through separate motifs, but also through their arrangement and through the relationship between field and borders.

The history of Persian rug making is closely connected with the production of finely designed textiles. Within this tradition, a hand-knotted rug functions as a floor covering and as an organised textile composition. The foundation provides the technical setting for the knots, while the pattern is created during the making of the rug. Material, construction and design are therefore closely connected rather than being separate stages.

Making a hand-knotted rug involves transferring a planned design into a sequence of individual working steps. The knotter follows an established arrangement and places knots into the prepared structure across the surface. Knot density affects how finely lines and ornaments can be represented. Consistent execution requires concentration throughout the process. Handwork is consequently a defining part of the tradition, not merely a production detail.

Kashan also represents a tradition in which inherited designs are combined with workshop experience. A composition may be floral, geometric or based on a controlled combination of both approaches. Repetition, symmetry and clearly defined areas help create a coherent whole. The carpet art of the city is thus rooted in Iranian cultural history while remaining a practical form of textile design.

The name Kashan refers to the city and the design tradition associated with it. The term Persian rug places the piece in the Persian or Iranian context. Together, these terms describe the cultural and craft background of this type of rug. Its production rests on an inherited combination of careful knotting, regional pattern knowledge and a composition planned across the entire textile surface.

Design and Pattern

Kashan rugs are commonly associated with floral arrangements and stylised geometric forms. Floral motifs may appear as blossoms, leaves, tendrils or connected ornamental elements. Geometric details create clear lines, enclosed shapes and an ordered structure. The two visual languages can be combined within one design. This creates a relationship between organic plant forms and more measured geometric areas.

A traditional rug composition is often arranged around a central field and surrounding borders. The field contains the main design, while the borders frame the outer edge and establish a visual conclusion. Other designs use repeated motifs across the surface in a controlled rhythm. In both approaches, the deliberate placement of forms is essential. Spacing, repetition and symmetry influence how the drawing is read.

Floral ornament in Persian rugs is stylised rather than a literal representation of nature. Blossoms, leaves and tendrils are simplified and fitted into the geometry of the overall surface. Lines may connect motifs or separate one area from another. Geometric forms give the plant-based ornament structure and make the composition easier to follow. The pattern tradition therefore combines decorative drawing with a systematic division of the textile field.

This rug is described as having a cherry-red colour effect. The colour range is also described as including rich reds, deep blue and golden accents. Colour performs several functions within a Persian rug design. It can bring individual ornaments forward, emphasise the course of a border and distinguish different areas of the composition. The appearance of the pattern results from the interaction of line, ornament, repetition and colour.

In Persian pattern tradition, floral and geometric motifs are often associated with ideas such as happiness, peace and prosperity. These associations belong to the cultural interpretation of the ornament. They form part of an inherited visual language without removing the rug’s practical function as a floor covering. A Kashan design can therefore be understood as both decoratively ordered and culturally meaningful.

The relationship between colour and pattern allows this design tradition to work with different interior styles while retaining its Persian identity. Regional character remains visible in the arrangement of motifs and in the established language of Persian ornament. The design is not defined by one isolated symbol. It is defined by the relationship between field, borders, floral details, geometric forms and the coordinated colour palette.

Special Features

The hand-knotted construction is a defining feature of this rug. The technique requires skill, patience and dedication. Every knot is placed by hand, directly connecting the finished textile with the work of the knotter. Carpet knotting is a craft passed down through generations and remains an important part of Kashan’s cultural tradition.

The pile made from 100% virgin wool is described as durable and resistant to wear. Wool is naturally dirt-repellent and can be cleaned without impairing its quality when treated appropriately. The rug is suitable for underfloor heating and is in new condition. Its weight is 24 kg.

FAQ

How should I clean the Kashan Persian rug?

Regular vacuuming helps remove dust and dirt from the pile. For stains, a damp cloth with mild soapy water can be used. Treatment should be limited to the affected area and carried out gently. For a thorough cleaning, it is advisable to consult a specialist rug cleaner. Professional cleaning takes the hand-knotted construction and virgin-wool pile into account. This allows the textile surface to be treated appropriately without placing unnecessary strain on it.

Can the Kashan Persian rug be used in heated rooms?

Yes. The Kashan Persian rug is suitable for heated rooms and can be used with underfloor heating. Its virgin-wool pile provides a pleasantly warm feel and contributes to a comfortable room climate. Direct sunlight should be avoided to help prevent the colours from fading. Proper installation is also important when the rug is used on a floor with underfloor heating. The stated suitability refers to use with a suitably equipped floor.

What accessories do I need for the rug?

A non-slip underlay is recommended. It helps keep the rug securely in place and protects the floor beneath it. A suitable underlay can also protect the rug itself from additional wear. It therefore supports safe everyday use and helps extend the service life of the hand-knotted Kashan Persian rug. An underlay is particularly useful when the rug is placed on a smooth floor or in an area that is walked across regularly.