Old Keshan | 465 x 332 cm | Nr. 16160

Floral old Keshan, rust red with border, medallion and signature

Origin	Persia
Dimensions	465 cm x 332 cm (= 15.44 m²)
Construction	hand-knotted
Material	Pile: wool Weft & Warp: cotton
knots per m²2	360.000
Pile height	7mm
Year of manufacture	1920
Colour	Rust red, Dark blue
Edition	one-of-a-kind piece

 

Origin

The central Persian city of Keshan (also Kashan or Keschan) lies geographically between the slopes of the Zagros mountains and the Persian deserts. Thanks to its climate and the caravans that passed through the country, it was – at least until the Safavids moved their seat of government to Isfahan – a flourishing metropolis, known above all for its fabric and rug production. To this day it is marked by the elegance and splendour of that era. Keshan rugs are artful textiles made in an age-old tradition. Production in Keshan traditionally took place in the weavers' own homes. The pile is typically knotted from exceptionally soft wool, which makes it particularly dense and compact. This old Keshan is around 100 years old and a real collector's piece. This piece of true knotting artistry rightly carries the pride and the name of its maker, in the form of a signature that translates as: "Sarwi"

 

Pattern

The edge of the rug is framed by a decorative border. The border forms a beautiful contrast with the centre.

At the heart of this Keshan's central field sits the symmetrical centrepiece, also known as the medallion. The design of the field is subordinate to the medallion, so that the medallion seems to float on the field.

The lush floral motifs of this Keshan are elegant and full of variety. The graceful plant forms, showing blossoms, leaves and branches, are artfully intertwined.

A special highlight of this Keshan is its signature. The signature documents that it was made in one of the most renowned knotting workshops in Keshan. The signature in Arabic script expresses the individuality and the noble origins of this rug.

The background of this Keshan is rust red. The border is worked in dark blue, blue-grey and rust red. In the blue-grey centre, dark blue and golden beige are combined.

 

Condition

This Keshan has had admirers before you. It was hand-knotted around 1920 and has given faithful service ever since. Apart from some fading and shifts in colour, this enormous antique Keshan is well preserved. All in all it is still in good condition and can bring pleasure for decades to come. We have not restored this Keshan, because we feel it has a special charm just as it is. If you would like us to, we will of course be happy to restore the rug for you.

 

Material

The pile of this Keshan was hand-knotted from high-quality new wool. New wool is obtained by gently shearing sheep. It is a renewable, natural raw material with a range of impressive qualities: thanks to the wool's natural lanolin content, the surface repels droplets of water and is naturally proofed against dirt. Wool also offers excellent thermal insulation, helps regulate the indoor climate and dampens sound. The weft and warp threads of this Keshan are cotton. This versatile material is tear-resistant and elastic, which makes it ideal for a hard-wearing foundation weave.