Antique Persian Kashan Rug | Tree of Life Design 4’7″ x 6’8″ | Rich Red Field & Navy Blue Border | Museum-Quality 324 KPSI

This magnificent antique Kashan rug represents the pinnacle of Persian weaving artistry from over a century ago. With an extraordinary knot density of 324 KPSI—among the finest grades produced—this piece showcases the legendary craftsmanship that made Kashan one of Persia’s most celebrated weaving centers during the golden age of rug production.

Design & Composition

The composition presents the iconic Tree of Life motif—a design rich with symbolism representing immortality, paradise, and the connection between heaven and earth. From the lower field, a golden-hued tree trunk rises and branches outward, its limbs bearing an extraordinary abundance of blossoms, flower clusters, and graceful foliage. Birds perch among the branches, adding life and movement to this woven garden of earthly delights.

The rich crimson red field serves as a perfect canvas for this botanical paradise. Elaborate palmettes, roses, carnations, peonies, and delicate flower sprays fill every available space, while curving vines and sickle leaves create elegant movement throughout. Hyacinth blooms, grape clusters, and various flowering shrubs emerge from the ground, creating a sense of depth and naturalism.

The exceptional navy blue border features a distinctive design element prized in antique Kashan rugs: oval cartouches containing miniature pavilion scenes rendered in soft sky blue. These architectural vignettes—depicting Persian garden pavilions—alternate with elaborate floral medallions and scrolling vines. Multiple guard borders add sophisticated framing to this remarkable composition.

Color Palette

The palette demonstrates the mastery of natural dyeing achieved by Kashan weavers: a deep, saturated crimson red field contrasts magnificently with the navy blue border. The pavilion cartouches glow in soft sky blue, while the abundant florals display cream, burnt orange, coral pink, sage green, golden yellow, and soft brown. Over a century of aging has mellowed these colors to a beautiful antique patina while preserving remarkable depth and vibrancy.

Craftsmanship

At approximately 324 KPSI (knots per square inch), this rug represents exceptional Kashan workmanship—among the finest knot densities found in Persian carpets. This extraordinary density required approximately 181 days of highly skilled labor to complete, allowing for remarkable detail in the intricate floral work and pictorial elements. The medium-pile wool on cotton foundation has survived over a century in excellent condition, testament to superior construction.

Historical Significance

Dating to approximately 1915-1925, this rug hails from the renowned Kashan weaving revival period, when the city’s workshops produced some of their finest work for discriminating collectors worldwide. Rugs of this age and quality are increasingly rare, making this piece both a beautiful decorative object and a valuable antique investment.

Styling Possibilities

At 4’7″ x 6’8″, this distinguished rug serves perfectly as an accent rug in living rooms, a focal point in studies or libraries, or a showpiece in entryways. Its rich colors and traditional design complement classic, traditional, and eclectic interiors, pairing beautifully with antique furniture and rich textiles.

Condition

Excellent condition, professionally washed and appearing remarkably fresh for its considerable age. Ready to grace any distinguished collection.

Each rug is one-of-a-kind. A true museum-quality collector’s piece and exceptional investment.