Nain Rugs From Persia

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Magnificent Fine Iranian Persian Nain Rugs

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What are Persian Nain Rugs?

Persian Nain rugs, also known as Nain carpets, are a type of hand-woven carpet that originates from the city of Nain in central Iran. Nain is renowned for producing high-quality, intricately designed Persian rugs that are often characterized by their fine craftsmanship, detailed patterns, and luxurious materials.

Here are some key features of Persian Nain rugs:

  • Material: Nain rugs are typically made from high-quality materials, with a foundation of cotton or silk and a pile of wool or a combination of wool and silk. The use of silk in the pile can give the rug a soft and lustrous sheen.
  • Design: Nain rugs often feature intricate and delicate designs, including floral motifs, medallions, and curvilinear patterns. The designs are usually inspired by traditional Persian and Islamic art, showcasing a harmonious blend of colors and intricate details.
  • Color Palette: Nain rugs are known for their subtle and elegant color palettes. Common colors include ivory, beige, blue, and muted earth tones. The use of soft, pastel shades contributes to the rugs’ overall sophistication.
  • Knotting Technique: Nain rugs are hand-knotted using the Persian or asymmetrical knotting technique. The knot density is typically high, contributing to the rugs’ fine details and intricate patterns.
  • Size: Nain rugs are produced in various sizes, ranging from small accent rugs to larger room-sized carpets. The size can impact the level of detail in the design, with smaller rugs often featuring more intricate patterns.
  • Signature: Some Nain rugs may have a signature or inscription woven into the design, providing information about the weaver, workshop, or other details. This adds a personal touch and can sometimes be used to identify the origin and authenticity of the rug.

Nain rugs are considered to be among the finest Persian rugs, and they are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs for their beauty and craftsmanship. The intricate designs and high-quality materials make them a luxurious addition to home decor.

Why do people shop specifically for Persian Nain rugs?

People often seek out Persian Nain rugs for several reasons, including their exceptional craftsmanship, intricate designs, and the prestige associated with their origin.

Here are some factors that contribute to the popularity of Persian Nain rugs:

  • Fine Craftsmanship: Nain rugs are known for their exquisite craftsmanship. Skilled artisans use traditional hand-knotting techniques to create intricate patterns with high knot density. The level of detail and precision in their construction is often considered superior.
  • Luxurious Materials: Persian Nain rugs are crafted using high-quality materials, such as fine wool or a combination of wool and silk for the pile, and cotton or silk for the foundation. The use of silk can give the rugs a soft and lustrous appearance.
  • Intricate Designs: Nain rugs feature elaborate and detailed designs inspired by traditional Persian and Islamic art. The patterns often include floral motifs, medallions, and curvilinear elements, showcasing a harmonious blend of colors and shapes. The intricacy of the designs contributes to the rugs’ aesthetic appeal.
  • Subtle Color Palette: Nain rugs are known for their sophisticated and subtle color palettes. Muted tones, pastels, and neutral colors are commonly used, creating an elegant and timeless look that can complement various interior styles.
  • Prestige and Heritage: Persian rugs, in general, have a rich cultural and artistic heritage. Nain, as a renowned center of rug production, adds to the prestige associated with these carpets. Buyers may appreciate the history and tradition behind Nain rugs, contributing to their appeal.
  • Investment Value: Some people view Persian rugs, including Nain rugs, as valuable investments. High-quality handmade rugs can appreciate in value over time, especially if they are well-maintained. Collectors may seek out Nain rugs for their potential as both functional and decorative investments.
  • Size Options: Persian Nain rugs come in various sizes, making them versatile for different spaces. Whether someone is looking for a small accent rug or a larger room-sized carpet, Nain rugs offer a range of options to suit different needs.
  • Signature and Authenticity: Some Nain rugs may bear the signature or inscription of the weaver or workshop, providing a sense of authenticity and a connection to the artisan. This can be appealing to buyers who value the individual craftsmanship behind each rug.

The combination of fine craftsmanship, luxurious materials, intricate designs, cultural prestige, and potential investment value contributes to the specific appeal of Persian Nain rugs among those seeking high-quality, hand-woven carpets with a rich heritage.

More About Persian Nain Area Rugs

Nain is a small village located in central Iran that has relatively recently become a renowned center for carpet weaving. Production began here in the 1930’s. Although Nains are not as old as many of the traditional Persian rugs, they retain their value in terms of construction. These area rugs are often grandiose in scale, many exceeding 25 feet in length. They are also exquisite in design due to their use of silk in weaving both the foundation and fine pile of many rugs from the area.

Though located not far from Isfahan, Nain was not involved in rug production until the period between the two world wars. Though it started late, Nain rapidly achieved prominence for the production of rugs in the classical tradition of nearby Isfahan, generally with medallion designs. But with knot counts of more than 800 per square inch, Nain rugs soon became almost legendary for their exceptional fineness. The pile of Nains is almost always of rather soft wool, although they make distinctive use of ivory silk to outline the various forms of the design.

More recently, they have begun to use silk for the warps, and one may come across the occasional all-silk Nain as well. Since not many of them were ever imported, Nains are among the rarest Persian rugs in the United States.

Woven by skilled artisans, Persian Nain rugs are highly sought after. They are made with beautifully muted colors, predominantly beige and navy. Light blue, burgundy, and green are used occasionally. They are woven using the Persian knot. Iranian Nains usually have a cotton warp, however sometimes silk warps are used. The pile is characteristically wool, but weavers may use silk or accent with silk. A featured characteristic is the centered medallion, which is at times adorned with floral motifs and animals, mostly birds.

The standard used to determine the quality of a Nain rug is the measurement of LAA, the number of threads forming each fringe at the end of the rug. They are exquisitely woven with the Persian knot, with an average of 300 knots per square inch. The higher the knots per square inch and the lower the LAA, the higher the quality and the price of a Nain rug is.

Iranian Nain rugs are created in Iran in the town of Nain or in nearby areas. Style and design of the Nains is heavily influenced by the Isfahan weavers, but they are easily distinguishable by the colors used. Elegant and understated, the Persian Nain rug is highly desirable and a testament to the craftsmanship of the area.

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