Large 20th Century Kashan Carpet

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, with a scrolling vine leaf and floral pattern, in tones of denim blue over a smart, neutral grey 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, and a rare find in this large format. 

A timeless carpet, with a restrained elegance that would lend itself well to any setting.