Kashan rugs

Kashan rugs, revered by royalty and discerning buyers, are characterized by a single medallion in the center and Persian floral motifs forming extremely dense patterns.
Kashan is an oasis town along the Kavir desert, in central Iran. It is one of the oldest cities in Iran, with archeological excavations in the Sialk hills indicating that this area was the home of pre-historic humans. As early as the 17th century Kashan had a well established silk area rug industry. A Kashan area rug is still woven in the time honored traditions of the old masters, utilizing the same basic designs. Coveting by kings, at one time it was commonplace to see a Kashan area rug hanging on palace walls all over the world. It is for this reason that it is also referred to as "the palace carpet". Extremely dense Persian knots are used to weave a Kashan area rug, producing an exquisite object of art.
Almost every Kashan area rug is woven with a variation of the same basic pattern - a single medallion in the center, and Persian floral motifs including arabesques, flower stems, palmettos, rosettes, and blossom and leaf motifs forming extremely dense patterns. Most frequently shades of red, blue, beige, and ivory are found on the field of a Kashan area rug, with a variety of contrasting colors making up the design.
The foundation of a Kashan area rug is cotton, except in very fine pieces where it is pure silk. The remaining materials may be wool, silk, or a combination of the two. The wool that is used on a Kashan area rug is often kurk wool – very fine quality from the neck of the lamb. Although they are available in a range of sizes, they majority of rugs are mid-size. Revered for its very fine quality, the Kashan area rug was once the preferred rug of royalty and buyers who would accept no less than the best. These classically beautiful and elegant rugs have been known to last for centuries and will add "the royal touch" to your home.