General Description: There have been carpets and rugs made in Kashan at least as far back as the 16th Century. Production however, has not been continuous, for as with the case of Isfahan, it was interrupted by the invasion of Persia in 1722 by the Afghans. Rug making in any quantity was not re-established until the turn of the century, though a few rugs were made from about 1870. Rug making as a small-scale industry was brought about by textile merchants, who turned to the rug trade after their own trade had been hit by imported merchandise.

Kashan quality is noticeable at once. The wool of the early carpets (Kashan Mohtashan) is especially good, which imparts to the carpets a smooth velvety quality all their own. It is said that the wool was imported from Australia.

Kashans are highly treasured and classed among the very best Persian carpets and rugs. They are easily recogni Vsable by their distinctive design. The field is covered with floral motifs and they almost invariably have a central medallion. At each end these medallions branch into coronet-like Flowering tendrils.

Specification: Loom - Vertical. Warp - Silk, in five strands or cotton, warp slightly depressed. Weft - Cotton, blue usually two threads. Knot - Persian, 200 to 600 knots per square inch.