Kaschan

The world renowned Kashan court carpets in silk and the great master workshop carpets of Persia have been among the highest and most valuable forms of knotted carpet art since the earliest known Persian carpets of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Over centuries Kashan developed an aristocratic weaving tradition combining extraordinary technical precision with refined artistic expression. This exceptional Kashan silk rug from Iran continues this heritage and embodies the exceptional finesse and cultural significance for which Kashan remains internationally admired. The tradition of the famous hunting carpets and courtly compositions from the Persian city of Kashan lives on in this remarkable piece. Today works of this type belong to the most sought after and valuable oriental carpets and combine jewel like brilliance with strong collector and investment appeal. This exceptional example of the finest type employs the Tree of Life and is presented on an unusually light background which allows the extraordinary drawing to stand out beautifully. The Tree of Life expands elegantly across the field and is accompanied by finely executed floral ornamentation. In the lower section stylised animals appear within a calm landscape scene recalling classical Persian garden and paradise imagery. The light ground gives the rug remarkable openness and enhances the rich reds, blues and subtle rose tones throughout the composition. The border forms a magnificent frame with densely executed floral ornamentation creating a beautiful contrast between richness and lightness. Beautifully woven from the highest quality natural silk and executed in outstanding knotting quality, this is a precious carpet of remarkable technical achievement and radiant beauty. The natural silk lustre creates changing reflections and extraordinary vitality. Close observation reveals exceptional drawing resolution and impressive control of line and ornament throughout the composition. The rug remains in very good condition and impresses through its harmony, technical excellence and decorative presence. As a rarity this piece is suitable both as a prestigious interior statement and as an important collector’s example of classical Persian silk weaving.