
Heirloom Hand-Knotting
Tied knot by knot in Iran to last for generations.
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.
Elongated oval medallion with floral rosette centre, scrolling arabesque vines, peony and lotus blossoms, serrated leaves, corner spandrel quarter-medallions, and a continuous reciprocal floral meander border
Hand-knotted in Iran with pure highland wool and mulberry silk.

Tied knot by knot in Iran to last for generations.

Lanolin-rich wool repels everyday spills and wear.

Highland wool paired with luminous mulberry silk.

Individually sourced from master looms in Tabriz, Isfahan, Kashan, Qum, and Nain—never machine-made or chemically coated.
Pure cotton or silk foundations breathe naturally on timber and marble floors without trapping humidity.
Combed highland wool resists shedding and grows softer and more lustrous with every decade of use.
Months of hand-knotting ensure no two pieces share the exact same tension, border cadence, or abrash depth.
Rug Comparison Guide | ![]() Hand KnottedCrafted knot by knot. Made for generations. Persian · Modern · Tribal This rug’s construction | ![]() Machine MadeFine detail. A beautifully consistent finish. Bespoke collection | ![]() Hand TuftedYour shape, your palette, your feel. Custom rugs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing method | Individually hand tied Each knot is tied onto a woven foundation. | Precision machine woven A powered loom creates a fine, uniform weave. | Tufted by hand Yarn is inserted into a canvas, then backed and finished. |
| Feel | Naturally soft Varies with fibre, knot quality and pile height. | Soft to exceptionally soft Extremely soft in pure silk; soft in wool. Other fibres vary. | Customisable Adjust pile height and density for a plush or firmer feel. |
| Perfect for | Across the home Durable wool for busy rooms; silk-rich pieces for quieter spaces. | Comfort & decorative detail Living rooms and bedrooms. Choose the fibre for your foot traffic. | Across the home, tailored to you Specify wool for everyday use or silk accents for gentler spaces. |
| Lifespan | Can last 100+ years* Heirloom potential with appropriate care and repair. | Around 10 years* An indicative lifespan with suitable use and care. | Up to 20 years* With proper care of the pile and backing. |
| Materials | Natural wool & silk The balance of wool and silk varies by rug. | Varies by design Wool, bamboo silk and other options. Check the listed material. | Wool & bamboo silk Choose your material and blend to suit the brief. |
| Care | Vacuum gently Rotate periodically. Specialist cleaning for silk and deep cleans. | Follow the fibre Gentle vacuuming. Silk and bamboo silk need particular spill care. | Protect the backing Gentle vacuuming; avoid soaking. Use a specialist for deep cleaning. |
| Customisation | Choose your piece Find the right size, pattern and palette in the collection. | Choose your size Available dimensions vary by design. | Fully made for you Shape, size, palette, material, pile height and density. |
| Explore | Hand knottedExplore hand knotted rugs | BespokeExplore bespoke rugs | CustomCreate your custom rug |
*Lifespans are indicative, with suitable use and care. Fibre, construction, backing and foot traffic affect longevity. Silk and bamboo silk need more delicate care than wool. Construction images are illustrative.
Kashan Medallion Floral Steel Blue
Price on Inquiry