Persian Rug Kashan 390 x 300 cm Wool Hand-knotted

Kashan Persian Rug

Material and Craftsmanship

This Kashan Persian rug is hand-knotted. In hand-knotting, each knot is inserted individually into the prepared warp. The surface is built row by row, with the design emerging directly from the sequence of knots and colours. This method requires steady work, close attention to the drawing and careful control of the pattern as it develops. It is fundamentally different from an industrially produced floor covering, where the design is created by a mechanised process rather than by placing individual knots by hand.

Wool is specified for the pile, while the warp is made of cotton. Wool is traditionally used in rugs because its resilient, slightly springy fibres create a firm yet tactile surface. The cotton warp provides the supporting framework to which the knots are attached. The fuller description also names silk and silk accents as part of the material mix. In addition to the wool pile and cotton warp, it therefore describes lustrous details within the design. These references to the materials are retained separately from the rug’s overall technical description.

The stated knot density indicates a finely built knotted structure. A high number of knots across a surface allows outlines, small floral details and transitions to be drawn with greater definition. It also produces a close surface whose appearance depends on both the fibres and the care taken during production. The pile height is described as approximately 1 cm; no other measurement is added here. The rug is suitable for use over underfloor heating. Its shape is rectangular.

Origin and Tradition

Kashan is a city in central Iran and the namesake of an important Persian rug tradition. The source places this rug in Persia. Kashan lies in Isfahan Province, a region associated for centuries with arts, architecture, textiles and the preservation of established craft practices. The city became a significant centre of rug production, where designs, knotting knowledge and workshop methods were passed down over long periods of time.

The region’s rug-making history extends across many generations. In Kashan and its surroundings, workshops developed processes in which designs were prepared, colours selected and the different stages of production coordinated. Traditional weavers often work from pattern plans that establish the field, the position of a medallion and the sequence of borders. The resulting composition is therefore deliberate rather than random: it is translated into the rug knot by knot while the maker follows the structure of the drawing.

Kashan rugs are associated with developed ornament, controlled proportions and precise line work. A regional design commonly combines a clearly organised central field with decorative border zones. Floral vines, blossoms and leaves may be arranged in repeating courses, while geometric details reinforce the order of the composition. Persian rug design uses these recurring structures to organise broad areas and to make room for many carefully placed details without losing the overall balance of the pattern.

Kashan rugs also illustrate how use and cultural inheritance can exist together. They serve as floor coverings, yet they carry a visual vocabulary that has been refined and transmitted over generations. The tradition is therefore more than a production technique. It includes knowledge of proportion, symmetry, colour relationships and the relationship between a central field and its frame. With its classic character, medallion arrangement and Persian origin, this rug belongs to that wider Kashan context.

Design and Pattern

The named design feature of this rug is a medallion. A medallion organises the central field around a clearly emphasised form and gives the composition a visual focus. From this centre, vines, flowers and related ornaments can extend across the field in a measured arrangement. The result has an identifiable centre and a symmetrical foundation, features frequently associated with classic Kashan types.

The detailed description identifies a combination of floral and geometric elements. Floral motifs introduce curving lines, leaves and blossoms. Geometric forms provide boundaries, repetition and structural definition. These two levels can work together: a vine may follow an ordered path, while small geometric frames separate or emphasise individual areas. This combination keeps the design readable while allowing the drawing to contain numerous fine details.

Borders are an important part of a classic Persian rug composition. They frame the central field and create a transition between the interior design and the outer edge. Kashan patterns often use repeating flowers, vines or rhythmically arranged ornaments in these surrounding bands. The border gives the central medallion a defined setting and helps the entire design read as one connected arrangement rather than as an isolated emblem placed in the middle.

The colour description refers to warm reds, gentle blues and earthy nuances. These colour groups may be placed in relation to one another across the field, the ornaments and the borders. Red provides warmth, blue introduces a quieter counterpoint, and earthy tones connect the separate parts of the composition. The Iranian character of the ornament is expressed not by one isolated colour, but by the way the tones are repeated, contrasted and distributed throughout the pattern.

Within Persian design history, floral and symbolic forms are often associated with ideas such as paradise, water or the tree of life. These interpretations belong to the cultural background of the motifs and should not be read as a single, definite identification of every detail in an individual rug. For this rug, the medallion is the stated pattern feature, while floral and geometric elements form the described decorative setting. The classic design is consequently structured, ornamental and centred on a balanced overall composition.

Special Features

The rug is described as classic and rectangular. This allows it to work with traditionally furnished interiors as well as with modern or boho-inspired settings. Its versatility concerns both residential and commercial interiors and the possibility of combining its design with different furnishing styles. The medallion and floral ornament create a clearly defined decorative focus without limiting the rug to one particular room type.

The condition is stated as very good. The rug has been professionally washed and inspected. For routine care, regular vacuuming is recommended. Spills should be blotted with a damp cloth rather than treated with vigorous rubbing. A professional rug cleaning can be used when a more thorough treatment is required. The rug is suitable for underfloor heating and intended for indoor use. Outdoor use is not recommended because moisture and direct sunlight can affect the materials.

FAQ

What is the best way to clean my Kashan rug?

For routine care, vacuum the rug carefully and regularly. Fresh marks should be blotted with a damp cloth. Vigorous rubbing can place unnecessary stress on the fibres and surface, so it should be avoided. Professional rug cleaning is recommended when a deeper clean is needed. A specialist can take the materials into account, including the wool pile, cotton warp and the silk accents mentioned in the description. This approach helps protect the structure and appearance of the hand-knotted rug while removing accumulated dirt in a controlled way.

Where is the best place to use the rug?

The Kashan rug is suitable for indoor areas such as a living room, dining room or hallway. Its classic medallion composition and combination of floral and geometric motifs make it appropriate for rooms where an ordered, traditional pattern is desired. It can also be used in commercial interiors. Because the rug is rectangular and suitable for underfloor heating, it can be incorporated into different interior layouts. It should be positioned so that the central design remains visible and the textile is protected from unnecessary moisture.

Can I use the rug outdoors?

Outdoor use is not recommended. Moisture can affect the fibres and the textile construction, while direct sunlight can place strain on materials and colours. The rug is intended for indoor areas, including living rooms, dining rooms, hallways and commercial spaces. It should be kept dry and maintained with the regular care and cleaning measures described above. Suitability for underfloor heating concerns indoor use; it does not mean that the rug is designed for changing weather conditions or permanent placement outside.