Kashan, Kashmar, Kerman

Oriental rugs are often known by the regions they were woven in. Collectors of Persian rugs often research each region thoroughly to understand not only the rug weaving techniques but also the designs and traditions employed in each region. These traditions often date back hundreds of years and are woven into the culture of each region. This richness impresses even more beauty on the Persian rugs that are available for sale around the world. Learn below about the different regions and click on the photos above to see samples of the different patterns.

Iranian (Persian) rug making region(s) included on this page:

Kashan

Kashan is a city north of Esfahan with a long history of rug weaving over the centuries. Kashan had a reputation of weaving very fine rugs using the Manchester wool. Many rugs use ivory, red, and blue with their ornate designs. Major weaving areas surrounding Kashan are Natanz, Josheghan, and Aran.

Kashmar

The Khorasan province is an important rug producing region. Its name is used interchangeably with Mashad. Older pieces are referred to as Khorasan. Rugs have been made here for more than a thousand years. Some of the weaving areas in Khorasan are Mashad, Birjand, Moud, Kashmar, Qaen, Doroksh, Mahvelat, and Tabas.

Kerman

Kerman is located in southern Iran. Kerman’s reputation for rug making goes back centuries. Some of the finest rugs have been from Kerman. Unfortunately, in the recent past, some lower-quality rugs have made it to the market. Many different designs and colors (as many as 15-30 colors) are used in Kermans. They are famous for their skillful use of colors and designs.

If you are curious to learn more, my eBook The Art of Oriental Rugs - A Weaver's Perspective shows you: 1) how to identify a weave** and how different techniques produce “recognizable” variations in different regions, 2) maps with geographical views of where rugs are woven in the country of Iran and how the regional weaves influence each other, and 3) 750+ close-up pictures of weaves from 170+ rug-weaving regions in Iran and around the globe. I’ve written a book I wish I had when I first started in the rug business. This, I humbly hope, will be seen as an indispensable addition to any library.