Old Keshan | 523 x 310 cm | Nr. Z-4674

Old Keshan, dark red with border and medallion

Origin

The central Persian city of Keshan (also written Kashan or Keschan) lies between the mountain slopes of the Zagros range and the Persian desert regions. Thanks to its climate and the caravans that crossed 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 the city is shaped by the elegance and splendour of that era. Keshan rugs are artful textiles made in an age-old tradition. In Keshan, production traditionally took place in the weavers' own homes. The pile is typically knotted from extremely soft wool, which makes it particularly dense and compact. This old Keshan is around 70 years old and a true collector's piece.

Pattern

The edge of the rug is framed by a surround (border). The border forms a splendid contrast to 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 background of this Keshan is dark red. The border is worked in dark blue, light blue and lilac.

Condition

This Keshan has a history. The fringes could do with a repair. The edges are damaged in places. The pile is lightly worn. In some places a few white threads are visible. That is quite normal in older rugs. They are the knot ends of the weft and warp, which work their way to the surface over the years. Structurally it is not a major problem. It was hand-knotted around 1950. We have cleaned it thoroughly and restored it with care. That is why – despite its age – it is in very good condition.

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.