Kashmar Persian Carpet

Kashmar Rugs and Carpets

Kashmar is an old rug town. I believe that it was a significant rug production area in Safavid times. For many years very good quality Persian City style rugs have been made. Additionally it is a collection point for Baluch tribal rugs.

The formal city style rugs have been made in Kashmar dating back to the 1500s and possibly much longer. Kashmar produces some of the best carpets of Khorasan in north east Iran. One important point about Kashmar carpets is the quality of the wool. The rugs tend to be woven on relatively thin warps and wefts.

There are Baluch in the Kashmar area who produce some of the very best Baluch rugs.

Kashmar rugs from Khorasan may look like a Kashan but (should) cost less.

Kashmar rugs from Khorasan may look like a Yazd but are more flexible with finer warps and wefts.

Kashmar rugs from Khorasan may look like a Kerman but are more flexible with finer warps and wefts.

Please! What is my rugs? Kashmar?

Brief Review of Carpet Industry in Kashmar

Examples

This picture is an important attribution clue. Take a look at the warps seem raised above the wefts. There is a fair amount of new production that is not in typical Kashmar patterns but if we pay attention to these distinctive warps we can identify these rugs.

Kashmar Rug Structure

• Structure: Symmetrical knot.

• Yarn Spin: Z.

• Warp: 1 ply white cotton.

• Weft: 2 shot white cotton.

• Pile: 2 wool singles.

• Ends: Post-hitch wharf binding with 1 inch warp fringe.

• Selvages: 1 cord overcastting red wool.

• Handle: Heavy, durable, soft.