Nain

Type: Persian Rug

Location: Central Iran, town east of Isfahan (formerly Persia)

Knots per square meter: 160,000 - 1,000,000 knots

Features: Central medallion, floral patterns, very high knot density,

Pile: High-quality wool, some with silk (for pattern outlines)

Nain is a small town located in the desert region of central Iran, approximately 140 km east of the ancient city of Isfahan. The town has a long history, believed to have been inhabited since before the spread of Islam, and still retains historical buildings such as the Jame Mosque (Grand Mosque) and ancient castles built during the Buyid dynasty.

One of the major reasons Nain has gained worldwide recognition is its production of high-quality Persian rugs. Since the 20th century, its reputation has particularly risen, known for its intricate weaving and elegant designs. Today, it is counted among the five major production areas representing Persian rugs.

The History of Nain Rugs

Originally, Nain was known as a production area for the woolen cloak called "Abā." However, in the 1930s, with the spread of Western-style clothing and a decrease in demand, artisans began to apply their high skills to rug-making. Furthermore, the invitation of skilled craftsmen from neighboring Isfahan led to a fusion of tradition and new techniques, rapidly enhancing the reputation of Nain rugs. Thus, Nain became known as a source of "the finest Persian rugs."

The Fineness of Nain Rugs

Nain rugs have a unique grading system called "La." This indicates the number of twists in the warp threads, with smaller numbers representing finer threads and allowing for more intricate weaving.

Grade (La)	Characteristics and Quality Assessment
4La	Ultra-fine weaving, currently almost unavailable in circulation.
6La	The highest grade of Nain rugs. It combines delicate pattern expression with excellent durability, highly regarded globally as "the highest quality representing Nain."
9La	Offers sufficiently fine weaving while allowing for a relatively affordable enjoyment of traditional beauty.

Particularly, 4La and 6La are often woven by top artisans such as those from the Habibian workshop, which is globally recognized as the pinnacle of Nain rugs.