The city of Kashan, among the best-known and highly-ranked Persian rug-weaving centres, first rose to prominence in the 16th Century, under the Safavid Dynasty. These workshops earned a reputation for creating many of the most highly sought-after rugs of the Classical period and continued their work into the early 20th Century.

A high-category Kashan workshop weaving, dating to the 1920s, featuring simplified design characteristics of earlier 17th Century pieces. Judging by its creative, yet discreet, use of colour, as well as its unusually large format, this carpet was possibly a special commission, intended for the European market. Its delicate all-over drawing employs soft ivory and ochre tones, over a rare muted denim blue ground, all in gracefully aged vegetable dyes, with a delicate abrash – or, subtle variation in tone – across the field. One especially attractive feature is the uniformity of colour across the wide border and the central field, rather than the conventional stark contrast – a well-balanced, elegant composition, which gives the work a strikingly modern feel.

Despite some age related wear and areas of thin pile, this antique Kashan carpet is in good condition for everyday use – we would recommend an anti-slip underlay, which we can provide complimentary with your purchase.

A timeless example, rare in this large format, with an understated elegance that would lend itself to any setting.