Persian Rug Kashan 150 x 95 cm Wool Hand-knotted

Keshan Persian Rug

Material and Craftsmanship

This Keshan Persian rug is hand-knotted. The technique belongs to the established traditions of Persian rug making, in which individual knots are worked into a prepared foundation to create a dense textile structure. Its knot density is between 150.000 and 300.000 knots per square metre. Such a dense construction supports the precise rendering of floral details, medallions, geometric forms and fine lines within the design.

The pile is made from high-quality sheep wool. Wool is valued in Persian rugs for its soft handle and durability. It creates a resilient surface while retaining a distinct, pleasant textile feel. The material description also includes cotton. The warp and weft are made from robust cotton in the construction described for this rug. The combination of a wool pile with a cotton foundation is an important part of its workmanship.

Handwork is central to the rug’s construction. A closely knotted surface helps keep the ornament legible and contributes to the rug’s durability. This piece is described as hard-wearing and is in very good condition. Its traditional production therefore goes together with a construction intended for use in a variety of interiors.

Origin and Tradition

The Keshan Persian rug belongs to the Persian rug-making tradition. Keshan, also known as Kashan, is a city and region in Iran with a long association with carpet weaving. The name Keshan therefore indicates more than a decorative vocabulary: it refers to a historic centre of weaving and design. Generations of craftspeople refined patterns, colour combinations and working methods that continue to shape the identity of Keshan rugs.

Persian rug making combines precise manual work with designs passed down through tradition. A rug is built gradually. The foundation is prepared first, and knots are then placed according to a planned composition. Knot density affects the level of detail that can be expressed in the ornament. In Keshan weaving, careful execution and finely organised decoration are important parts of the regional heritage.

Keshan developed in an environment where trade, skilled craft and artistic design were closely connected. Rugs from the region were made for domestic settings as well as more formal interiors. Traditional compositions could be preserved while also being adapted to changing preferences. The Keshan Persian rug represents this tradition of ordered, detailed and hand-knotted work.

Other recognised Persian weaving centres have related but distinct traditions. Nain rugs are also associated with fine knotting and often floral designs in restrained colours. Tabriz rugs are known for a wide range of patterns and colour schemes, from traditional compositions to more modern approaches. Isfahan and Kashan are likewise associated with quality and established craftsmanship. These comparisons describe neighbouring areas of Persian rug culture; this individual rug is a Keshan Persian rug.

Individual Keshan rugs can have histories reaching 100 years or more. This general characteristic helps explain why older examples attract collectors and why age can produce a distinctive patina. No specific age is given for this rug, so no age is assigned to it here. Its condition is stated as very good.

Design and Pattern

Typical Keshan designs bring together floral motifs, medallions and geometric forms. These elements are arranged within an ordered composition rather than placed at random. A medallion may establish the centre, while floral branches and other ornaments organise the surrounding field or border areas. Geometric shapes provide clear boundaries and add structure to the overall design.

Floral decoration is a recurring theme in Persian rug art. Leaves, blossoms and scrolling branches may be rendered in a stylised manner and arranged to create a continuing rhythm across the field. Hand-knotting allows these forms to be built from many small areas of colour and carefully controlled outlines. The rug’s high knot density is associated with this capacity for detailed pattern work.

The colour vocabulary of Keshan rugs is varied. Deep reds, gentle beige tones and lively blues and greens are among the colours associated with this type of design. Depending on the composition, they may appear in a central medallion, among the floral elements or within the framing borders. The relationship between contrasting and quieter tones helps the ornament remain readable and allows Keshan designs to work in both traditional and contemporary interiors.

A Keshan composition often depends on a balanced relationship between centre, field and border. A central medallion can provide visual focus, while surrounding motifs connect the different areas of the surface. Borders frame the arrangement and give it a defined finish. Geometric details may create a clear contrast with the softer movement of floral forms. The specific design language of this rug is identified through the stated combination of floral motifs, medallions and geometric forms.

Related approaches can also be found in Nain and Tabriz rugs, although each provenance has its own emphasis. Nain is associated with fine floral drawing and soft colour palettes. Tabriz offers considerable variety in pattern and colour, including both traditional and modern styles. Within this broad Persian tradition, Keshan remains identifiable through its organised combination of floral ornament, medallion structures and geometry.

Special Features

The stated knot density of 150.000 to 300.000 knots per square metre is one of this rug’s defining features. It indicates a closely worked surface and supports the detailed rendering of the design. The pile of high-quality sheep wool is another notable characteristic. Wool is valued for softness and durability, while the cotton warp and weft provide the robust foundation described for the construction.

The rug is hand-knotted, hard-wearing and described as being in very good condition. These qualities combine traditional manufacture with practical usability. Its floral motifs, medallions and geometric forms give the piece a clearly identifiable design direction without limiting it to one particular interior style.

FAQ

What makes a Keshan Persian rug distinctive?

Its defining features are the dense knotting, the high-quality sheep-wool pile and the traditional design vocabulary of floral motifs, medallions and geometric forms. The knot density is between 150.000 and 300.000 knots per square metre. Together with the cotton warp and weft, this creates a hand-knotted and hard-wearing construction. This rug is also described as being in very good condition.

How should I care for a Keshan Persian rug?

Regular vacuuming helps remove loose dirt before it becomes embedded in the pile. Direct sunlight should be avoided in order to protect the colours. Spills and stains should be treated promptly with a damp cloth and a mild cleaning product. Professional cleaning is recommended to help preserve the colours and the structure of the hand-knotted rug.

Where can I buy a Keshan Persian rug?

Keshan Persian rugs are available from specialist rug dealers, at arts and crafts fairs and through reputable online suppliers. A reliable offer should provide clear information about origin, material and workmanship. It is also important to consider whether the rug is authentic and whether its description corresponds to the actual piece. These points help buyers assess the Keshan tradition, the hand-knotted construction and the stated material qualities.