Kashan rugs, also known as Keshan rugs, are a celebrated type of Persian rug, crafted in the city of Kashan in north-central Iran. These beautiful rugs date back to back to the Safavid dynasty of the 16th century, when Kashan became a renowned centre of artistic and cultural skill. By the 18th and 19th centuries, that reputation had flourished, with the city's workshops producing some of the world’s most intricate and exquisite rugs, establishing Kashan as a global leader in rug making.
Kashan rugs are handknotted by skilled craftspeople using using techniques passed down through generations. Their timeless elegance and rich palette make them sought-after luxury pieces amongst home owners and designers alike.
Are Kashan and Keshan Rugs the Same?
Kashan and Keshan refer to the same type of rug. The difference lies only in transliteration from Farsi to English. At Rugs.ie, we typically use the spelling Keshan, but you may encounter both terms across different sites, publications or regions.
What Do Kashan Rugs Look Like?
Kashan rugs are known for their elegant, floral patterns and symmetrical designs. These rugs typically feature a richly decorated central medallion surrounded by curved arabesques, floral sprays and detailed borders. Many include stylised vines, rosettes and the Herati motif - a repeated leaf design often seen in classical Persian carpets.
Natural vegetable dyes are used to produce a rich array of tones, with classic Kashan rugs often featuring deep red backgrounds framed by intricate blue medallions and layered accents throughout the border. Keshan Fine rugs often include the use of silk and boast a more subtle palette of ivory and pale blue tones.
How Are Kashan Rugs Made?
Kashan rugs are expertly handknotted by artisans, using high quality wool. Silk is sometimes woven throughout the pile, giving the rug an opulent sheen. These luxurious rugs offer enduring durability and can last a lifetime if cared for properly. Each piece is a detailed and time-intensive creation with some rugs taking months, or even years, to complete.
Kashan rugs typically have a medium to high knot density of 150,000 to 250,000 knots per square metre (KPSM). Kashan Fine rugs boast a particularly high knot density, reaching to 450,000 KPSM, owing to the use of fine silk threads.
Shop Persian Kashan Rugs at Rugs.ie
Kashan rugs are celebrated for their intricate designs, rich colour palettes and exceptional durability. Explore our collection of handknotted Kashan rugs online or visit our shop in Douglas, Cork. If you'd like some help finding the perfect rug for your space, we offer complimentary Design Consultations with our resident interior designer.
