راهنمای مجموعهداران · 10 min
Kashan rugs: history, medallion designs and identification
Editorial team · بهروزرسانی 2026-09-29
What is a Kashan rug?
A Kashan rug is a hand-knotted carpet from Kashan, an oasis city between Tehran and Isfahan. Kashan was a leading court weaving centre in the Safavid period and revived strongly in the late 19th century, becoming known for fine wool and silk carpets.
Design
The classic Kashan layout is a large central medallion on a deep red or ivory field, with navy blue borders and dense floral detail. Prayer designs, vase designs and all-over floral patterns also appear.
Structure
Kashan rugs use the asymmetrical (Persian) knot on a cotton foundation, with short, dense pile. The famous 'Mohtasham' and 'Motasham' Kashans of about 1880–1910 used exceptionally soft Merino-type wool.
How to identify one
Look for tight asymmetrical knots, cotton warps and wefts (often blue-dyed wefts in older pieces), close-clipped pile and crisp floral drawing. Manchester Kashans refer to pieces woven with imported fine wool.
Buying tips
Many medallion rugs are sold as 'Kashan design'. Ask for the place of weaving and look at the back. Condition, age and wool quality drive value; we do not provide valuations.