Design and Motifs

This exceptional Persian Nain 6LA runner exemplifies the refinement and precision for which Nain weavers are world-renowned. The rug unfolds as an elongated garden of symmetry, with a continuous series of floral medallions aligned gracefully along the center of a deep royal-blue field. These medallions are framed by a network of delicate vines, arabesques, rosettes, and palmettes — all rendered with extraordinary clarity, thanks to the fine knot density characteristic of Nain’s 6LA quality.

The design is rooted in Persian symbolism, where gardens and floral scrolls represent eternal paradise — the divine harmony of nature. Each curving stem and flower is woven with deliberate rhythm, creating an elegant flow that guides the eye along the full seventeen-foot length. The balance between the bold field and the softly toned motifs results in a runner that feels both majestic and serene, perfectly embodying the artistic ideals of the Nain tradition.

Framing the composition are classic ivory borders filled with floral rosettes and scrolling vines, outlined in fine silk. The interplay of the blue center and the pale frame creates a sense of luminosity — the visual effect of light emerging from within the rug itself.

Colors and Detailing

The base color is a luminous royal blue, a tone often used by master Nain weavers to symbolize depth, tranquility, and nobility. Across this foundation, the motifs unfold in a balanced palette of refined hues:

• Off-white silk appears throughout the medallions, vines, and borders. These areas may appear yellowish under certain lighting, but they are in fact pure silk highlights that reflect light softly, creating a radiant shimmer.

• Ivory and cream lend warmth and balance to the design, used in both the borders and floral centers.

• Soft rose pink and powder blush add gentle romantic accents to the blossoms.

• Light beige and pale blue tones are used in the petals and arabesques to create dimensional depth.

• Dark navy blue, chocolate brown, and fine black outlines define and sharpen the floral motifs, emphasizing their intricate symmetry.

• Hints of olive and sage green appear within the leaves and stems, adding an organic note to the composition.

The careful use of silk threads creates a dynamic interplay of sheen and matte texture. Under natural light, the rug subtly shifts in tone — the off-white silk glows like liquid pearl, while the wool base absorbs light to create depth and richness.

Material and Craftsmanship

This runner is woven in the 6LA quality, one of the highest standards in Nain rug production.
The term “6LA” (shesh la in Persian, meaning “six-layer”*) refers to the number of threads used in each warp bundle. The fewer the threads, the finer the weave. A 6LA rug typically carries an exceptionally tight structure — around 550 to 650 knots per square inch — resulting in superb clarity and crispness of every curve and line.

The rug is hand-knotted with a 50/50 blend of fine wool and natural silk, creating a surface that is both soft and lustrous. The silk fibers are carefully integrated into the motifs to highlight key details and outlines, providing the gentle glow that defines this piece. The foundation is strong cotton, giving stability and longevity to the structure, ensuring it lays perfectly flat and retains its tension over decades.

Every knot was tied by hand by a master weaver in Nain, Persia, continuing a tradition that demands patience, precision, and a refined artistic eye. This level of craftsmanship can take many months of dedicated work to complete, especially for a runner of this exceptional length.

Cultural and Artistic Context

Nain rugs originate from the city of Nain, near Isfahan — a center of artistic refinement in Persian culture. Nain weavings are celebrated for their elegant minimalism and balance, typically featuring restrained palettes, silk detailing, and floral motifs inspired by Persian gardens.

In Persian symbolism, the central medallion represents unity and the divine order, while the surrounding floral motifs symbolize life and continuous renewal. The blue background represents water and sky — eternal elements of paradise — and the ivory borders suggest purity and protection.

The 6LA grade is an indication not only of knot density but also of artistic refinement — many collectors view it as the threshold between decorative Nain rugs and true workshop-level art pieces.

Ideal Placement

With its generous 17-foot length, this runner is ideal for grand spaces that invite elegance and symmetry. It will enrich:

• Long hallways or corridors where its medallion rhythm can be appreciated in full

• Gallery-style entrances or foyers that deserve a luxurious focal point

• Formal dining or reception areas where natural light enhances its silk highlights

The reflective silk ensures that even in low-light settings, the rug maintains visual vibrancy — appearing lighter or darker depending on the viewing angle.