Kashan

Against a pleasant golden ground, this Kashan carpet draws an allover umber-red lattice network that forms alternating diamonds and quatrefoils. Alternating within rows of the lattice are lobed pendants drawn with palmettes and foliage, as well as garlands composed of several floral types. A classic Persian border of linked palmettes is drawn against a deep indigo ground. Kashan is situated in an arid region of central Persia not suitable for grazing sheep. Consequently, textile production here before the 19th century was limited mainly to silk. During the 19th and early 20th century, carpet producers in Kashan gained access to wool from both the local and international markets and chose some of the softest wool available at the time. This piece has the soft, luxurious silken wool pile that Kashan carpets are renowned for.