4.4 x 6.9 A World Class Antique Mothasham Kashan Rug, Central Persia, Circa 1890
Antique rugs from the central Persian city of Kashan represent the pinnacle of Persian rug production during the 19th century. Examples woven from circa 1880 – 1910 or frequently referred to colloquially as “Mohtasham” Kashan rugs, after the renowned workshop that produced superb examples. Only a small number of signed examples exist so it is largely impossible to attribute pieces with certainty to the Mohtasham workshop but a hierarchy does exist in terms of quality and beauty within the general range of Kashans produced during the era and this piece is in the upper range of that hierarchy.
As a general rule, earlier examples; i.e., circa 1880 – 1890, a thinner, more pliable and have more rectilinear articulation of the floral motifs than later examples. This piece has both an uncommon palette, with the walnut brown corner spandrels and abundance of green, and superb wool quality.
The format seen here is classic. The brick red medallion features a navy blue Quatrefoil and floats on an ivory field with sweeping vines. The walnut brown corner spandrels are distinctive and a navy blue border with apricot color guard borders frames the field.
