Fine Silk Kashan Mohtashem
210 x 130 cm (6' 11" x 4' 3")
Persia, second half 19th century
Condition: very good, full pile, upper fringes partially incomplete
Warp: silk, weft: silk, pile: silk

This is a rare example of a full silk Mohtashem Kashan rug. The refinement of the materials and weave are at odds with the bold graphic statement of the design and the brilliant chromatic contrasts of its colours.
Indeed, this carpet demonstrates the master E of the Mohtashem workshops that helps to explain why these carpets have both maintain their value and became prized assets of collectors. The clarity and lightness of the white ground contrasts beautifully with the walnut-coloured spandrels and the deep claret of the main border.
The use of light blue, green and the characteristic cochineal purple red aids the curvilinear flow of the vines that are punctuated by the quasi-curvilinear large palmettes. The field is at both busy and open, subtle, and bold; a perfect example of the best characteristics of one of Persia's mots significant workshops.