Persian Rug Kashan 392 x 303 cm Wool Hand-knotted

Keshan Persian Rug

Material and Craftsmanship

This Keshan Persian rug is hand-knotted. Its knot density is 180,000 knots per square metre. Hand knotting makes each rug an individual piece because the knots are introduced into the foundation one by one rather than produced by an industrial process. The dense construction is one of the stated characteristics of this rug and is associated with its hard-wearing nature.

The pile is made from high-quality sheep wool. Wool is used in hand-knotted rugs because its fibres combine a pleasant feel with resilience. In this rug, the wool pile is combined with cotton in the foundation. Cotton is traditionally used for the warp and weft, creating the supporting structure into which the pile is knotted. The combination of sheep wool and cotton therefore describes the material construction of this particular Keshan rug.

Hand-knotted rugs are made through a sequence of manual processes. The foundation is first set up with warp and weft threads. Coloured wool is then knotted into that structure according to the planned design. The rows are built up gradually, after which the pile can be brought into an even finish. This method allows a central medallion to be formed with defined outlines and a balanced distribution of space. In this rug, the craft technique, sheep-wool pile and cotton foundation belong together as parts of its construction.

Origin and Tradition

This rug comes from Keshan in Iran. Keshan is known for carpets, textiles and ceramics and developed into a trading centre for high-quality carpets. In the surrounding region, craft production and commerce have long been closely connected. Keshan rugs are consequently regarded not only as functional floor coverings but also as expressions of a distinct Iranian weaving tradition.

Keshan’s history is linked with the trading routes of the Silk Road. During the flourishing period of the Persian Empire, the city benefited from commercial exchange with other areas. Goods, materials, designs and weaving knowledge travelled along these routes. Carpets from Keshan reached Europe and Asia and became known beyond their place of production. This history is one reason the name Keshan remains associated with a recognisable tradition of Iranian carpet making.

The Keshan tradition is based on the relationship between careful handwork, compact construction and an ordered pattern structure. A central medallion is a frequent design element, often accompanied by floral and geometric ornament. The visual organisation comes not only from colour but also from the relationship between the centre, the surrounding field and the borders. This arrangement can give a Keshan rug a clearly structured appearance while leaving room for many ornamental details.

Other types of carpet are also made in the wider region. Ardekan rugs may show comparable patterns, but they are not assigned the same quality level as Keshan rugs. Tabriz and Isfahan are further well-known centres of Iranian carpet production. Their rugs have their own variations in colour, structure and design, while also being associated with developed craftsmanship and durable construction. The designation Keshan for this piece refers to its stated origin in Keshan, not merely to the use of a general medallion motif.

Design and Pattern

The pattern of this rug is a medallion design. A medallion forms the visual centre of a rug and organises the composition around a central shape. In classical Iranian carpets, this centre is often complemented by a border and additional ornamental areas. The result is a clear relationship between the principal motif and the surrounding elements.

The colour scheme of this Keshan rug consists of red, blue and beige. In traditional carpet compositions, red can serve as a strong ground or accent colour. Blue provides a contrasting presence, while beige creates quieter areas and transitions. These three colours form the palette specified for this piece; no further colours are stated in the product description.

Keshan designs often connect a central medallion with floral and geometric ornament. Floral forms may represent stylised blossoms, leaves and vines. Geometric elements add outline, rhythm and order. Such motifs are not intended as naturalistic drawings; they are adapted into forms that can be repeated and built into a textile. Hand knotting allows the weaver to create these shapes from individual coloured knots and to control their appearance through placement and density.

A medallion rug can work with different interior arrangements because its composition has a recognisable centre and a palette made up of several tones. In this example, red, blue and beige are the defining colours. The central structure makes the pattern easy to read, while the ornament around it divides the field into related areas. Keshan identifies the rug’s origin, whereas the medallion is the pattern named in the product description.

Special Features

The distinguishing characteristics of this one-off rug include its hand-knotted construction, a knot density of 180,000 knots per square metre and a pile made from high-quality sheep wool. The foundation is made from cotton. Together, these details describe the rug’s technical and material execution. They are separate from its visual design, which is a central medallion in red, blue and beige.

The rug is described as hard-wearing and in very good condition. These statements identify both its use-related character and its preserved state. It comes from Keshan in Iran and is therefore a Persian rug. As a hand-knotted individual piece, it combines the specified origin, traditional construction and particular medallion design in one finished rug.

FAQ

How should I care for my Keshan Persian rug?

The rug should be vacuumed carefully on a regular basis. This removes dust and loose dirt without requiring a full cleaning. Spills should be treated as soon as possible with a damp cloth. The affected area should be dabbed carefully rather than rubbed aggressively. Professional rug cleaning is also recommended every few years. The appropriate interval depends on use and soiling. Because this is a hand-knotted sheep-wool rug, specialist cleaning is advisable so that the pile and foundation receive suitable treatment.

Can a Keshan Persian rug be used over underfloor heating?

Yes. Keshan Persian rugs are generally suitable for rooms with underfloor heating because of their high-quality materials and dense knotting. The temperature should not be set too high, as excessive heat can damage the wool. Even, moderate warmth is preferable to an unnecessarily high setting. The rug should also lie flat, and additional unsuitable layers should not be used in a way that interferes with the heat or affects the rug’s position.

How can I recognise an authentic Keshan Persian rug?

Authentic Keshan rugs are hand-knotted and have a high knot density. The materials provide further points for assessment: high-quality wool and cotton are characteristics to look for. Origin, construction and pattern should be considered together, since a medallion by itself does not prove where a rug was made. A certificate from the dealer can also be helpful when assessing authenticity. For this rug, the stated product characteristics are hand knotting, the specified knot density, sheep wool, cotton and an origin in Keshan, Iran.