Kashan rugs are among the most celebrated classical Persian carpets, woven in and around the historic city of Kashan in central Iran. Antique Kashan carpets are prized for refined drawing, harmonious palettes, and disciplined medallion and allover designs that project elegance without visual excess. At Nazmiyal, Kashan rugs are evaluated by structure, materials, design logic, palette, and condition—because reputation alone is never enough.
Kashan rugs are Persian knotted-pile carpets associated with the Kashan weaving tradition, long recognized for their balance of artistic refinement and structural reliability. Antique Kashan carpets often feature central medallions, floral allover fields, and carefully proportioned borders that feel resolved and architectural.
Antique Persian Mohtashem Kashan Rug #72478
Because “Kashan” is widely used in the market, authenticity must be confirmed through construction, materials, and period-consistent design—not the name alone.
Where Do Kashan Rugs Come From?
Kashan rugs originate in central Iran, a region with a deep history of textile and decorative-arts production. Workshop weaving in Kashan produced carpets for both domestic use and export, influencing Persian rug design well beyond the region itself.
Grand Antique Persian Kashan Harmoniously Blended Large Rug Nazmiyal Collection #73769
Construction & Materials
Traditional Kashan rugs are knotted-pile carpets, typically characterized by:
Cotton foundations
Wool pile; silk highlights appear in select examples
Precise knotting that supports crisp curvilinear drawing
Well-finished edges and ends
Structural consistency and balance are more important than knot count alone.
Large Antique Persian Kashan Dabir Rug Nazmiyal Collection #70970
How to Identify an Authentic Kashan Rug
Authentic Kashan rugs align structure, design, and age:
Construction
Even knotting and a stable foundation
Secure edges and intact ends
Wear patterns consistent with age
Design Language
Central medallions with strong internal symmetry
Floral fields, palmettes, arabesques, and vine scrolls
Borders with clear hierarchy and spacing
Materials & Color
Wool with natural depth and elasticity
Dyes that show tonal variation rather than flat color
Professional evaluation is recommended when workshop attribution or age is unclear.
Kashan vs. Isfahan vs. Nain
These rugs share classical Persian design language but differ in execution:
For decades, clients have relied on Nazmiyal for guidance on identifying, valuing, and collecting Kashan rugs. A rare nineteenth-century silk Kashan Judaica rug donated by Padi and Jason Nazmiyal is now preserved in The Jewish Museum’s permanent collection.
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Terence Hayes
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I have purchased multiple rugs at multiple Nazmiyal auctions and I am extremely pleased with the quality, price, and experience. Highly recommended!
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Victor Florintsev
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The only ones I'd ever buy rugs from. The best.
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Jeffrey NeumanB
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I bought two gorgeous Serapi rugs from Farhad at Nazmiyal Rugs! Beautiful carpets, fair prices and great service. Very happy customer. Farhad (the sales person) was very patient and gave us great service.
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john haid
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Alen is a gentleman and an expert. Really great to work with.
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Edward Yasuna
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I recently purchased a modern Kandinsky rug from Nazmiyal Auctions. It was just as described, and the director (Farhad) of the auctions had it sent to me quickly and safely. Payment was easy, the rug was reasonably priced, and I highly recommend Nazmiyal Auctions and Antique Rugs. Quality merchandise and first-class service.
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Nicholas Carr
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Had a excellent experience buying a rug in Nazmiyal's 1/18/26 online auction. First, prior to the auction, viewing a number of lots at the 32nd St showroom (I had prepared a list from the online catalog). The staff were great to work with: helpful, knowledgable, honest, and flexible. Second, after placing an online bid and winning the desired item, arranging payment and pickup was simple and straightforward. Everything went seamlessly and the overall experience was educational and fun. Many thanks to Jason and his team.
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Andrea Gared
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Everyone at Naziyal is proffessional, especially Jason and Farhad.
They are knowledgeable, truthful, and true gentlemen. I have sold several rugs through them and will always go to them first, to buy or sell. The best in the business!
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Lori Silverberg
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Jesse Zilberman
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Excellent customer service! Alen was very helpful over the phone and email. The rug we acquired was stunning, and photos do not do it justice. I would definitely work with Alen and team again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Antique Kashan rugs are known for their luxurious wool, refined weave, and sophisticated floral patterns. Many pieces feature intricate medallions, arabesques, and balanced color palettes that reflect the artistic heritage of central Persia.
They are admired for their exceptional craftsmanship and depth of detail. Kashan workshops produced some of the most elegant rugs of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, using high-quality materials and precise knotting techniques.
Identification involves examining the fine knotting, curved floral motifs, and distinctive medallion layouts. Color palettes often include deep reds, indigo blues, ivory, and soft accent tones common to Kashan weaving traditions.
Yes. Antique Kashan rugs were woven with durable, high-quality wool and tight construction. With thoughtful care, they can remain structurally sound and visually impressive for generations.
Value is shaped by age, fineness of weave, design execution, and overall condition. Early examples with rich natural dyes, crisp detailing, and minimal restoration are especially sought after by collectors.