Kashan carpets have a long-standing reputation for authenticity and quality. Many of these carpets are designed by renowned artists, and expert evaluators can verify their authenticity. However, some Kashan carpets are produced commercially with average quality, and this practice continues today. Additionally, rugs are woven in surrounding areas such as Aran, Ardestan, and Natanz, but the quality of these carpets is significantly lower than that of authentic Kashan carpets.

Kashan’s exceptional designers often use the best raw materials, natural and stable dyes, and skilled weavers to create unique and valuable works of art. Some authentic Kashan carpets take several years; the designer typically signs them. It is essential to be meticulous when choosing an authentic rug and seek assistance from experienced experts.

Authentic handwoven Kashan carpets from Iran have various designs, particularly in the past. Due to their intricate weaving, they hold a prominent place in Iranian art. Some of the most common designs include “Lachak and Toranj” (Medallion & Corner Design) or “Toranj-va-Mehrab”, which have made Iranian Kashan carpets famous. Without a doubt, there are also designs such as “Afshan” (Overall flower design), “Boteh Jegheh,” “Gol-e-Dani va Darakhti” (Vase & Tree Design), “Mehrabi Yek Tarafah” (In this design, there are two columns situated on either side, and the ceiling pattern of a mosque is positioned atop these two columns. As one moves upward from the base of the blueprint, the pattern does not repeat and is distinct with different floral motifs and designs.), “Shikargah” (Hunting design), “Vagireie,” “Tasviri” (Pictural carpet), and “Shah Abbasi Gol-Dorosht” (Palmette big flower design), that are produced in both Tornj and Afshan. Additionally, designs such as Gol-e-Dani Haj Khanoomi, and Zelolsoltan were made with precision and attention to detail in the past in the city of Kashan. Among these various designs, the “Mohtasham” design is considered the most excellent.

It is important to note that one type of tribal carpets, Joshaghan (Joshaghan-e-Ghali, situated around 60 kilometers from Kashan, derives its name from the Persian word “Ghali,” which means “carpet.” This village earned its distinctive name due to its central role as a hub for handwoven carpet production in the area.)  , whis are produced in the Kashan region. These designs are geometric and have global fame.

Authentic handwoven silk Kashan carpets from Iran are made with natural silk. This natural silk is obtained from the silkworm’s cocoon as a long filament. The silk cocoons are then spun into multi-meter-long skeins. Skilled artisans in dyeing workshops mix this raw silk with various colors to create intricate designs.

In the past, Kashan carpets were exclusively made of natural silk, with unique characteristics such as thinness, lightness, high density, and a lustrous appearance. These advantages, combined with its lightweight, made it a superior choice.

It is important to note that due to the high cost of natural silk, one must be very careful when purchasing. Unfortunately, the widespread use of artificial silk has made it necessary to consult experts for guidance. Artificial silk (rayon) is made from cellulose fibers and can be identified by two methods:

1- To identify natural silk, one can pull out a small knot from the carpet and burn it. It will give off a smell similar to burnt human hair. The knot will turn into a black ball after burning, and its color will turn black. Additionally, rubbing it with your hand will give you exceptional warmth.

2- Burning artificial silk will give off a smell similar to burning paper. After burning, it turns into a soft ash and white powder.

Kashan woolen carpets from Iran are very sturdy and thick. They are made from the wool of good breeds of sheep. These wools are obtained during the shearing season and have special fibers with natural properties for the body.

Contrary to popular belief, purchasing an Iranian Kashan carpet within your budget is possible. This means that there is diversity in quality, knot count, and designs, especially in authentic Iranian Kashan carpets from the past. This diversity allows you to have different choices. Our information in the next question about what determines the value of an Iranian Kashan carpet may be part of the answer to this question.

The oldest Iranian carpet, an authentic Kashan, is located in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Portugal. This carpet, made entirely of precious silk, was woven in Kashan in the early 16th century. Its dimensions (230 cm by 180 cm) make it one of the most valuable works of art in its category.

Writings from the 17th and 18th centuries attest that Kashan was known as a famous center for producing court carpets. In addition to natural silk, these carpets also used silver and gold thread and are displayed in exhibitions and private collections today. The Kashan carpet incorporates two elements and separates these two main elements over time, with a long period of inactivity of almost two centuries.

The people of Kashan, especially in weaving, are very active and creative. Another example of Kashan’s silk carpets is from the 10th century, which depicts hunting scenes. This carpet, partly made of silver brocade, is on display at the Museum of Art and Industry in Vienna and is considered a prominent work of art from Kashan.

Due to the wide variety of materials and patterns, as well as the history of carpet designers and the skills of weavers, questions arise that impact the value of carpets. Are the carpet designers well-known and famous? Have the weavers been able to implement their skills in weaving rugs in the best possible way?

The answers to these questions can explain the value and importance of Iranian Kashan carpets. The city of Kashan has a history that dates back more than five thousand years, and this artistic history in carpet weaving has been passed down from mothers and grandmothers to daughters.

One of the valuable symbols that indicates the history of carpet weaving in Kashan is the registration of the skill of weaving delicate carpets. In 2010, an authentic Iranian hand-woven Kashan carpet with the code 00383 was registered by UNESCO as one of Iran’s heritage works. This action demonstrates the value and importance of this art on a global scale.

It should be noted that carpets produced in Kashan in the past, especially antique and semi-antique carpets, are considered examples of the highest quality and beauty. These productions have made Kashan carpets one of the best in the world, and they have many fans inside and outside Iran. Thus, there is a close relationship between value and fame in this field.