Kashan Medallion Floral Steel Blue

Kashan, situated in the heart of the Iranian plateau, has produced some of the most technically refined hand-knotted carpets in the Persian tradition since the Safavid era — its weavers renowned for exceptionally fine knotting, sophisticated arabesque draughtsmanship, and a palette that balances depth with restraint.

This large-format antique example presents a classic Kashan medallion composition: a elongated oval centrepiece anchored on a field of saturated steel blue, the ground animated throughout by a continuous lattice of scrolling vines bearing full-faced peonies, lotus palmettes, and serrated cloud-band leaves rendered in ivory and warm taupe — a chromatic austerity that lends the piece an almost architectural composure.

The ivory corner spandrels extend the medallion's geometry to the field's edges, while the main border — generously proportioned on an ivory ground — carries a flowing floral arabesque meander punctuated by rosette stops, contained within narrow reciprocal guard stripes in blue and beige. The even patina of age has softened the blue field to a chalky, atmospheric tone characteristic of well-aged Kashan wool, and the pile, though gently worn, retains legible articulation across the design. This is a piece of considered formal presence — suited to a room that demands history rather than decoration, and of clear interest to the serious collector of classical Persian weaving.