Kashan Rugs

Kashan Rugs, with their global fame and poetic allure, showcase their beauty worldwide. According to Professor Pope, these carpets, more than any other industry, illustrate the characteristics and ancient traditions, as well as the various stages of Iranian culture and civilization. Kashan carpets are among the most valuable artworks and unique masterpieces of their kind.

Kashan Rugs hold a special and unique place among handicrafts and represent the most delicate human thoughts. The fragrant scent of their flowers, the essence of rose water, and the blood of the weavers’ fingertips bring a special spirit to many homes and famous museums worldwide.

Among the most famous Kashan Rugs is the “Hunting Scene” carpet, one of the largest carpets in the world. The “Chelsea” and “Vase” carpets are also renowned for their breathtaking beauty and are proud possessions of major museums. The Grand Bazaar of Kashan is filled with shops displaying the finest handmade carpets with the most authentic Iranian designs.

In truth, Rugs are neither purely an industrial art nor an artistic industry; they are, in themselves, an art-industry.

The Word “Qali”

In the remnants of Pahlavi-era writings, the term “bup” or “boop” was used for precious Rugs, “namat” for felt Rugs, and “visterg” for carpets, garments, and bedding. The latter term comes from “vistarn,” meaning to spread.

In Dehkhoda’s dictionary, “boob” is defined as:
“Rug and home furnishings… a carpet also called anboob… in Armenian, boob and in Pahlavi, boop.”

According to Abu Aoun, author of “Al-Dhij”:
“In Qali Qala, a Rug is woven called Qali. Qali is an abbreviation referring to the city of Qali Qala. Qali Qala is a city in Greater Armenia… from the time of Anushirvan, Armenia was still under Iranian rule until Islam came… Arminyagas, one of the Armenians, took over the government. After him, a woman named Qali ruled and built a city called Qali Qala, meaning the benevolence of Qali.”

In the poetry of Iranian poets, there are occasional references to Rugs, such as:

• “Although both are wool in essence, the carpet is much better than the coarse mat” (Nasir Khusraw)
• “If you are free, sleep on the ground and do not bow down to the Rug” (Saadi)

Rugs History

The history of Rugs can be traced back to the dawn of civilization in human societies. However, due to the non-durable nature of early woven Rugs, no examples of them have survived. Consequently, the hypotheses and theories of historians and researchers have not been able to pinpoint the exact time of the first woven carpet.

Iranians cannot claim to have produced the first hand-woven Rugs, but historical evidence, particularly the discovery of the Pazyryk Rug, indicates their significant contribution to this precious art. In a book published in 1950 about the discoveries of Professor Rudenko, a Russian archaeologist, a carpet was found in the frozen tomb of a Scythian king in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia. This carpet, known as the Pazyryk carpet, has remarkably remained almost intact thanks to the eternal ice of Siberia and is now housed in the Hermitage Museum.

This knotted and pile carpet dates back to the 5th century BC. The design and pattern, depicting Persian horsemen with the attire and weapons of the glorious Persian Empire, clearly recall the motifs of Persepolis. This suggests that the carpet was woven in Iranian territories, likely Khorasan, or at least within the realms of the Medes or Parthians, and was produced with intricate knots and precise designs.

Historical Background of Kashan Rugs Weaving

The historical background of carpet weaving in Kashan dates back to ancient times and has continued to survive despite economic crises. The historical and valuable carpets of Kashan are symbols of beauty, taste, and Iranian artistry worldwide. The famous Sheikh Safi al-Din carpet in Ardabil, bearing the date and signature of Master Maqsud Kashani, attests to this.

During the Safavid era, coinciding with the Renaissance in Europe, Rugs were produced in Kashan that are now the pride and glory of major museums due to their legendary beauty. Kashan was the center of royal carpet weaving, founded by Shah Abbas the Great, and its carpets became known as Shah Abbas Rugs. Kashan’s carpet production played a significant role in the artistic revival of Iran.

About Kashan and Its Rugs

Kashan is a city on the edge of the central desert of Iran, known for its unique dome-shaped houses, which reflect a long-standing tradition in city planning. The Rug weaving industry in Kashan, similar to other centers like Isfahan and Kerman, was not revived until the late 19th century. In fact, the use of Australian merino wool continued until the 1930s.

Kashan does not have urban carpet workshops, emphasizing production on household looms instead. Raw materials are distributed among households in the city and surrounding villages. High-quality knotted and pile Rugs are produced for both domestic use and the export market.

Kashan Rugs feature a strong and subtle color palette, predominantly in shades of red, green, blue, black, and white. The designs are usually delicate and intricate, often based on beautiful medallions with red or blue backgrounds, either plain or adorned with Islamic and floral motifs. Kashan weavers also skillfully produce pictorial Rugs, which are considered valuable works of art.

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