Persian Kashan Pictorial Rug

This Persian Kashan rug is from an original recognisable small group of ‘revivalist’ pictorial rugs, defined by the drawing style. Pictorial rugs take many forms depicting landscape scenes with or without animals and human forms, sometimes wooded, sometimes with more open pictorial images; this open style is seen here. Kashan weavers are historically used to creating dense, highly detailed patterns though this original Kashan work displays a relatively uncharacteristic pictorial scene. The pattern details present an intriguing mix of basic simplistic drawing with occasional more detailed motifs, similar to the painting style of post Impressionism. The image appears to be an exercise in perspective, which is effectively presented by the layered subject matter and the associated drawing of the elements. The colours are essentially pastel in tone, with shades of red, salmon pink, brown, blue, green, olive green, coral red, and aquamarine. Stronger colours are used to enhance the presentation of depth and place emphasis on the perspective with use of charcoal outlining which is apparent in this composition. The meandering pathway disappearing at the base of the mountains also enhances the depth element to the composition. The variegated green and coral sky is a magnificent feature representing either a sunrise or sunset emerging or disappearing from behind the mountain range, thus completing the sense of depth and which somehow brings a subtle sense of realism to the scene. The red border pattern is a fascinating addition, with pattern details drawn in the same style reflecting the tree, building and hill elements, yet with the inclusion of playful fawns; the presence of these animals are not present in the main scene, as indeed there are no animals, birds or human figures included which in the scheme of things is rare when such pattern elements are presented.

This Persian Kashan pictorial rug, a wonderful pictorial scene presented in an individual style consistent with ‘Revivalist’ approach to creating outstanding, original works of woven art, of which the highly skilled Kashan weavers are well equipped to aspire to.

Persian Kashan Rug. This piece was handwoven in Kashan , Iran. For further information please contact us and our team will be pleased to assist you. All pieces in the collection are under the auspices of Essie Sakhai, one of the world’s foremost experts and collectors of fine handmade Persian rugs and carpets.