Kashmar

Kashmir carpets are relatively rare carpets produced by master weavers in the province of Khorassan, in north-east Iran. The small city of Kashmar is very old, responsible for producing exquisite carpets for centuries. Kashmars are easily distinguishable because of their unique designs and their large size. The patterns are usually historic tableaux telling the story of a significant event in Persian history. There are frequent views of ancient ruins and sculpture of Persepolis, the kings Darius and Xerxes, and birds and animals from Rubayat of Omar Khayam. There are also Kashmar carpets which resemble the classic Kashan, with central medallion and spandrels.
History & Construction
The province of Khorassan is the biggest in Iran, stretching through northeast of the country. The capital city, and Mashhad, where most of the area rugs are introduced. Some other rug-producing centers in this region are Kashmar (Turshis) Moud, Sabzevar, Ghain and Birjand, most of which are situated very close to Mashad. The king, Shah Abbas regularly seize and destroy badly woven carpets, and those with inferior coloring techniques, to ensure the highest levels of this ancient art. In 1722 there was an invasion of Afghanistan in Iran left the country in a state of political confusion and the rug industry in a state of disrepair, particularly in the areas established as Mashad. Fortunately Khorassan was the start of the blanket industry, because the royal court of Iran did much to help. Many Baluch-style rugs are also woven by Baluchi nomads who inhabit areas in the south. There are many grades of hand-made rugs produced in this province wide, but those woven inside the cities usually of a finer quality than those that are woven by nomads. Although the nomads were the first to weave rugs for their own use, cities adopted and refined their talents. Almost every color can be seen and everyone has a pile of wool on a foundation of cotton. In extremely rare, older cases, silk may be seen. Wool, however, and unusually bright and soft and models include historical illustrations (Persepolis, etc..) Unique to Khorassan.

 

 

 

 

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Visibility: Carpets made in KASHMAR usually have curvilinear patterns.

Quality: KASHMAR are among the highest quality PERSIAN rugs and carpets produced in Eastern IRAN. They are well known for their patterns and smooth structure.

Size & Shapes: KASHMAR carpets come in different sizes, but the majority of them are mid-size (4 x 6 to 8 x 10 feet). You can also find large rugs up to 10 x 18 feet.

Color: Light blue and cream predominate, with ivory as a contrasting color. Other colors such as soft green, red, and brown are found in newer works.

Texture: Soft wool; thin, tight pile.

Foundation: Warp is mostly cotton; weft is either cotton or wool.

Knots: Weavers in KASHMAR use Persian knots. You should check the back of the carpet because the quality of the carpet depends upon the number of knots, which varies, but averages from around 120 KPSI (30 RAJ) up to 475 KPSI (60 RAJ).