Kashan

The other is an all-over pattern design called "Afshan," in which arabesque patterns spread across the entire carpet, and this type is characterized by an arabesque pattern that has a unified look throughout.

Kashan artisans have a strong tendency to respect tradition, and do not make the bold move to new designs as seen in other production areas. In fact, there are hardly any innovative designs or designs that cater to overseas tastes, and traditional color usage and composition are still used today.

The greatest feature of Kashan Persian carpets is that they maintain this traditional beauty. For this reason, even in Japan, many people think of Kashan when they hear "Persian carpets with classic patterns," and they enjoy enduring popularity due to their reliable quality and design backed by tradition.

Geography and History of Kashan

Kashan is an oasis city located in central Iran, roughly halfway between Tehran and Isfahan. Despite being surrounded by desert, it developed as a trading hub on the Silk Road, and the advanced techniques it had cultivated in tile crafts and silk weaving were also utilized in carpet production. Its history is long, and during the Safavid dynasty in the 16th and 17th centuries, many masterpieces were woven, and there are records that the phrase "artisan from Kashan" was used as the highest form of praise.

In fact, the world-famous Ardebil carpets, housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum, are said to have been woven in Kashan in the 16th century.

The photo was taken during a visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

In the early 18th century, Kashan flourished to the point where it had an official purveyor to the royal family, but the carpet industry declined temporarily due to subsequent political changes. However, the textile industry recovered again from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, and the city is known for producing carpets of the finest quality, particularly from the workshops of famous master weavers such as Hajj Mohtashan (Mohtasham).

Due to this historical and cultural background, the technique of Kashan carpet weaving was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010, and its value is recognized worldwide.

Design Features

The appeal of their designs is another reason why Kashan carpets are so highly valued. A typical Kashan carpet, as mentioned above, has a symmetrical composition with a medallion in the center and corner motifs (medallion corner), or an arabesque or floral pattern that spreads over the entire surface (Afshan). In either case, the field (ground) is woven with intricate floral and plant designs, so intricate that they are described as "a profusion of flowers, with every nook and cranny covered."

Flower motifs, in particular, are indispensable when talking about Kashan carpets. Various plants are incorporated into the designs, including floral motifs such as roses, paisley patterns, arabesque designs, and lotus flower medallions.

In terms of color, traditionally, muted tones such as deep red, dark blue, ivory (ecru) and beige are often used.

The most typical color patterns of Kashan carpets are:

1. Red x cream/ivory x dark blue combination

②Soft combination of beige/cream, light blue and gray

3. Black/Navy x Brown x Yellow combination

It is said that they can be broadly divided into three types:

In each pattern, a variety of accent colours and contrasting shades are skillfully interwoven to make each carpet a unique work of art.

In general, the designs of Kashan Persian carpets are described as having "the gorgeous designs and harmonious colors that are typical of Persian carpets." They are not too flashy and have a refined look, yet they have a presence that attracts the viewer - they are truly elegant carpets.

Its timeless design is not influenced by trends and blends in with a variety of interior styles, whether Japanese or Western. The essence of Kashan carpet design is its timeless beauty, which exudes a sense of tradition without feeling outdated.