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 1930s, featuring simplified design characteristics of earlier 17th Century pieces. Judging by its understated use of colour, as well as its provenance, this carpet was possibly a special commission, likely intended for the European market. Its delicate all-over drawing employs soft duck egg blue and ochre tones, with touches of red, over a light ivory ground, all in gracefully aged vegetable dyes. 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.

Retained in very good condition for everyday use, with its outer borders well preserved on all sides.

A sophisticated example, with a discreet elegance that would lend itself to any setting.