Nain carpets

Nain carpets, reputed to be the very finest, are distinguished by their single medallion set in a blue or ivory background and subtle, muted colors.
Nain is located in central Iran, just south of Isfahan. Prior to the 2nd World War, Nain was a center of fine textiles. The shift to the production of fine Persian carpets came after the war. Nain Persian carpets are in such high demand worldwide that there are many counterfeits produced in India and Pakistan being sold as authentic. Always purchase from a reputable dealer in order to avoid disappointment. The Habibian workshop is reputed to produce the finest quality Nain Persian carpets. These are very difficult to come by as they are woven in limited quantity. Even more rare is a signed piece. Master craftsmen weave Nain carpets using Persian knots. Experts use a different measurement called LAA, a Farsi word meaning layers, to define the quality of Nain Persian carpets. LAA refers to the number of threads forming each fringe at the end of the carpet. The LAA number on Nain Persian carpets is a good indicator of the price. As the LAA numbers decrease, the price proportionately increases. Nain Persian carpets have detailed curvilinear designs, but their unique feature is that they use more animal motifs, especially birds, in the background. The Islimi design also features prominently. A distinguishing characteristic of Nain Persian carpets is their single medallion set in a blue or ivory background. It is very rare to find a red background. The colors on Nain Persian carpets are very subtle and muted shades of white, ivory, beige, buff, light gray, light blue, turquoise, navy, light brown, camel, and burgundy created from natural vegetable dyes.
The foundations of Nain Persian carpets are either cotton or silk with wool pile or a combination of wool pile and silk highlights. The majority are
mid-size, but larger sizes are available. Prized and sought after by collectors, treasured and cherished by those who own them, Nain Persian carpets are nothing short of breathtaking. They define "fine".