2) The second class is represented by more than a dozen small carpets with silken pile and prominent red coloration. Most have medallion designs; four have rows of isolated animal figures or animals in combat.

3) Members of the third class are not pile carpets but rather silken kilims, in tapestry weave of exceptional delicacy, frequently with bits of metal enhancing certain colours to provide sparkle. The designs of several include human or angelic figures. It is thought that a number of silk Polonaise carpets were also made in 17th-century Kāshān.

From the 17th through the 19th century, nothing is known of Kāshān carpets, but with the dawn of the 20th century there arose a large commercial production of pile carpets in both wool and silk. These new carpets rank among the best Persian products, with some of the most sophisticated designs, consisting of sleek medallions, curving, blossom-laden vine work, and repeats of vases with flowers. With Kermān and Tabrīz, Kāshān has been the principal source for the collector of special pieces—personage rugs, symbolic rugs, and ornate prayer rugs—otherwise unusual in Iran. Kāshān carpets are asymmetrically knotted on silk or cotton foundations, depending upon the fibre of the pile.

For more information about the above rug or to place an order please email vd@azerbaijanrugs.com (Baku, Azerbaijan) or ra@azerbaijanrugs.com  (San Francisco Bay Area). We will get back to you within 24 hours or less.