Kashan Rugs Tucked away in North Central Iran, the city of Kashan has served as a hub for silk since antiquity, but it would not be until the early 19th century that their weavers began producing high quality wool rugs and carpets. Prior to that, they relied on a blend of cotton and silk, which left much to be desired in durability.The popularity of the new carpets soon spread across Persia and beyond. Their unique design and bold colors would quickly become common in the West, particularly in the 1970s in the United States, where the so-called Persian rug would become so ubiquitous, they were copied and cheaply imitated. Despite this, the city continues to produce high-quality, authentic rugs, but in limited quantities. The common "Persian" rug available at local furniture stores is most likely a cheap imitation. Authentic Kashan rugs, particularly antique ones, can fetch thousands of dollars apiece. Master weavers leave signature trademarks in their rugs, identifiable only by an expert. Mohtasham, Manchester, and Dabir Kashans are highly sought after, particularly from the 1920s. The quality of these rugs is extremely high. New rugs and carpets with similar designs remain a great choice, particularly for the budget-conscious. The distinctive Persian rug pattern has been copied countless times by countless manufacturers to great success. Replicas can be indistinguishable from the real deal to most customers and their guests, but collectors continue to buy authentic ones up at full price. They may wish to support the original weavers, be true experts, or simply want a status symbol.

An true antique can be a serious investment that begs serious consideration of price, design, compatibility with decor, and care. When picking out a Kashan rug, the pattern is the most important aspect, especially for the average consumer. The typical design features a central medallion with a floral pattern that extends out toward the edges, but this may not be the case for every Kashan rug. They are generally red, blue, green, and ivory, but there have been many variations throughout its centuries-old history, but they are generally bold. The size of the rug varies as much as any other kind and should suit every home. Be aware that although Kashan rugs are traditionally hand-knotted, some rugs available are machine-woven. This should not affect their quality or durability, but will considerably lower their cost. If you decide on an authentic one, please take steps to ensure proper care. Kashan rugs should not be placed directly in sunlight because the UV rays will fade their natural coloring. A standard vacuum should be sufficient for cleaning. Avoid detergents if at all possible. Purists claim that furniture should not be placed on top of them because they are works of art, but if they must be worked into your living space, try to move furniture around to avoid little dents in the rug. With proper care, your Kashan rug should last for decades, as many of them have already.