Kashan is an ancient city situated in central Iran with a significant legacy in the world of carpet weaving. Renowned for its rich history, the name Kashan holds importance in the carpet industry dating back to the sixteenth century during the Safavid Dynasty. Over the centuries, Kashan has been a hub for the production of exquisite Persian rugs, showcasing intricate patterns, high-quality craftsmanship, and a cultural significance that has endured through time.
Kashan rugs are a distinguished category within Persian carpet weaving. These rugs are characterized by their floral patterns, meticulous details, and exceptional quality, often presented in either a medallion or allover style. Originating from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, Kashan carpets display silk foundations and silk piles or cotton foundations with wool piles, featuring iconic Shah Abbas designs with palmettes, leaves, and vines beautifully integrated into the background and borders.
During the nineteenth century, Kashan re-emerged as a major center for carpet production, known as the Mohtashem period. Weavers like Ismail wa aba yahudi, Mohtashem, and Tafazoli created rugs to meet the increasing demand in Europe and America. Kashan carpets were produced with either Souf (brocade) technique, using silk foundations and piles, or cotton foundations and wool piles.
In the early twentieth century, American companies began producing and commissioning Kashan carpets, primarily in cotton foundation and wool pile, adopting traditional Kashan styles. The Manchester Kashan style, featuring finely detailed allover patterns with Vase motifs, became particularly fashionable in America.
Post-World War II, Kashan experienced a carpet boom, and weavers actively produced carpets for both foreign and domestic markets. The design style included a central medallion with quartered corner medallions in the Shah Abbas style, enduring for approximately two decades. Kashan weavers retained a traditional approach to their designs, adapting gradually to market demands.
Kashan rugs vary in dimensions, ranging from small pillows to palace sizes, and exhibit a quality spectrum from good to very fine. Weavers in Kashan and neighboring towns continue to use wool or silk piles and brocade techniques. The region remains a leading producer of carpets for both domestic and global markets, offering a lasting testament to the enduring legacy of Kashan craftsmanship.