Antique Persian Kashmar hand knotted wool & silk rug with central medallion, floral and bird decoration
Kashmar is located in the Razavi Khorasan province in north eastern Iran. Kashmar has been a hub of cultural and economic activity for centuries, owing to its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road. Kashmar's location and history have played crucial roles in shaping its rug-making traditions. The city's weavers have had access to a vast array of influences, from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia to the refined aesthetic traditions of Persia's urban centres. This blend of cultural influences is reflected in the diverse designs and motifs found in Kashmar rugs.
Kashmar rugs are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colours. A signature de-sign feature of these rugs is the ‘Zir Khaki’ pattern, which means 'under the soil'. This design depicts historical scenes and stories from Persian mythology and is a testimony to the artistic creativity of Kashmar's weavers. The rugs often feature pictorial scenes, including hunting scenes, tree of life motifs, and images from the epic poem, the Shahnameh. These designs are not just visually stunning, but they also serve as a narrative medium, preserving and conveying Persian myths and legends to future genera-tions.
The colours used in Kashmar rugs are rich and varied. Deep blues and reds are common, along with a range of other hues including ivory, green, and brown. These colours are derived from natural dyes, with ingredients sourced locally. The use of natural dyes not only provides vibrant colours but also ensures the rugs retain their colour over time.
As for the materials, Kashmar rugs are traditionally woven with high-quality wool. The wool is sourced from local sheep, known for their high-quality fleece. The foundation of the rugs, or the 'warp and weft', is usually made of cotton. Occasionally, silk is used in the pile to highlight elements of the design. Kashmar rugs are woven using the Persian (Senneh) knot, a style of knotting unique to Persian rugs. These rugs typically exhibit a high knot density, often exceeding 120 knots per square inch. This high knot density allows for intricate, detailed designs and con-tributes to the durability of the rug. The tight weaving and quality materials ensure that Kashmar rugs are hard-wearing, making them a lasting investment.
This exceptional example features a central medallion with a breath taking floral, bird, vase and scrolling surround with a striking blue, ivory, red and turquoise colourway.
The rug has some light age related staining in places. Please see the photos for a more detailed view.
Antique Persian Kashmar hand knotted wool & silk rug with central medallion, floral and bird decoration
Kashmar is located in the Razavi Khorasan province in north eastern Iran. Kashmar has been a hub of cultural and economic activity for centuries, owing to its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road. Kashmar's location and history have played crucial roles in shaping its rug-making traditions. The city's weavers have had access to a vast array of influences, from the nomadic tribes of Central Asia to the refined aesthetic traditions of Persia's urban centres. This blend of cultural influences is reflected in the diverse designs and motifs found in Kashmar rugs.
Kashmar rugs are known for their intricate designs and vibrant colours. A signature de-sign feature of these rugs is the ‘Zir Khaki’ pattern, which means 'under the soil'. This design depicts historical scenes and stories from Persian mythology and is a testimony to the artistic creativity of Kashmar's weavers. The rugs often feature pictorial scenes, including hunting scenes, tree of life motifs, and images from the epic poem, the Shahnameh. These designs are not just visually stunning, but they also serve as a narrative medium, preserving and conveying Persian myths and legends to future genera-tions.
The colours used in Kashmar rugs are rich and varied. Deep blues and reds are common, along with a range of other hues including ivory, green, and brown. These colours are derived from natural dyes, with ingredients sourced locally. The use of natural dyes not only provides vibrant colours but also ensures the rugs retain their colour over time.
As for the materials, Kashmar rugs are traditionally woven with high-quality wool. The wool is sourced from local sheep, known for their high-quality fleece. The foundation of the rugs, or the 'warp and weft', is usually made of cotton. Occasionally, silk is used in the pile to highlight elements of the design. Kashmar rugs are woven using the Persian (Senneh) knot, a style of knotting unique to Persian rugs. These rugs typically exhibit a high knot density, often exceeding 120 knots per square inch. This high knot density allows for intricate, detailed designs and con-tributes to the durability of the rug. The tight weaving and quality materials ensure that Kashmar rugs are hard-wearing, making them a lasting investment.
This exceptional example features a central medallion with a breath taking floral, bird, vase and scrolling surround with a striking blue, ivory, red and turquoise colourway.
The rug has some light age related staining in places. Please see the photos for a more detailed view.
