Antique Handwoven Carpet, All-Over Layout, Wool on Cotton Warp, Kashan, 300 × 500cm Ref 11500640

An antique Kashan carpet with an allover floral design stands as a radiant testament to the grandeur and precision of carpet weaving in this historic city. Spread across a deep navy ground, this distinguished piece is filled with delicate blossoms and Khataei motifs that envelop the entire field. The absence of a central medallion and the continuous repetition of patterns define the allover composition—one of the most authentic and enduring design traditions in Kashan carpets. Surrounding each motif is an intricate network of vines, arabesques, palmettes, and finely drawn leaves, woven into the warp and weft with remarkable finesse. Against the dark background, these motifs evoke the presence of raised forms in Persian miniature painting. The use of lac red within the motifs over the navy ground creates a rich and captivating contrast—one of the defining visual characteristics of late Qajar and early Pahlavi period carpets.

The carpet bears the signature “Tavoushanchian”. An institution active in the early 20th century under the direction of Charles Jefferson, which supervised and reformed export-oriented carpet production in Kashan, including the sourcing of wool, dyes, and materials in Iran, ensuring carpets were woven to suit the American market.

Measuring 300 × 500 cm, with an area of 15 square meters, this carpet is ideally suited for grand and expansive interiors such as historic mansions, ceremonial halls, or contemporary luxury spaces. Its knot density of approx. 5100 kpsd reflects the exceptional skill and refinement of Kashan weavers—allowing for the execution of the most intricate ornamental details and significantly enhancing the artistic and collectible value of the piece.

The pile is woven from imported Merino wool from England, known among collectors as “Manchester kork”—one of the finest wools used in early 20th-century Kashan masterpieces, prized for its softness, luster, and durability. The cotton warp foundation ensures structural strength and balance within the weave. Encircling the field, an opulent lac red border adorned with classical floral and vegetal motifs forms a majestic frame, intensifying the visual character through the striking contrast of red and navy.

Across the central axis of the carpet’s field, three cartouches are aligned in sequence, bearing a verse from the ghazals of Hafez, reading:

“Khosrava, may the polo ball of the heavens bend within the curve of your mallet.”

This antique carpet embodies the philosophy of order and beauty in Persian carpet artistry; each knot reflects the patience, mastery, and aesthetic vision of the Kashan artisan—its presence in any setting shining like a historic and precious jewel.