In the golden age of Safavid Persia, the city of Kashan emerged as one of the most prestigious weaving centres in the world. The 17th-century silk carpet described here represents the peak of that artistic and technical achievement. With extraordinary knot density, luxurious silk materials, and symbolic wedding inscriptions, this piece stands as both a cultural treasure and a testament to the sophistication of Persian court craftsmanship.
Key Specifications
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Origin: Kashan, Central Persia
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Date: 17th century (Safavid period)
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Current Collection: Carpet Museum of Iran, Tehran
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Dimensions: 250 × 156 cm
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Knot Type: Persian (asymmetrical) knot
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Knot Density:
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900,000 knots per square metre
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581 knots per square inch
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Structure:
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Warp: White silk
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Weft: Double weft of white silk
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Pile: Silk
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This extremely fine knot count places the carpet among the most technically advanced weavings of its time, comparable to royal court commissions.
Historical Context: Kashan in the Safavid Golden Age
During the 16th and 17th centuries, under the Safavid dynasty, Kashan became a centre for elite textile production. Royal workshops—often supported by the court—produced silk carpets intended for palaces, diplomatic gifts, and aristocratic ceremonies.
These carpets were not everyday furnishings. They were status symbols, artistic statements, and sometimes political tools used to demonstrate the cultural power of the Persian Empire.
Kashan weavings from this period are especially known for:
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Luxurious silk foundations and piles
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High knot densities
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Sophisticated floral and garden compositions
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Refined colour palettes and balanced symmetry
Symbolism and Design Language
One of the most fascinating features of this carpet is its wedding-themed border.
Inscription: “Mobarakbar”
Within the border are cartouches shaped like elegant vases. These contain the inscription “Mobarakbar,” meaning:
“Be joyful” or “Blessed union.”
This strongly suggests the carpet was woven as a marriage commission, likely for a noble or wealthy family.
Key Decorative Elements
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Flowing floral trees: Represent growth, life, and prosperity.
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Stylised willows in the centre: Traditionally associated with grace, elegance, and longevity.
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Animals among the flowers: Symbolise harmony between nature and humanity.
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Vase-shaped cartouches: Often used in Persian art to represent abundance and celebration.
Together, these motifs create a narrative of joy, fertility, and prosperity, making the carpet both a decorative object and a symbolic gift.
Technical Excellence
A density of 900,000 knots per square metre is extraordinary, even by Persian silk carpet standards.
What this means in practical terms:
1. Superior Detail
The high knot count allows:
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Extremely fine outlines
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Intricate floral forms
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Smooth curves and naturalistic shapes
2. Luxurious Texture
The silk foundation and pile produce:
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A luminous surface that reflects light
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A soft, almost liquid-like handle
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Depth and brilliance in colour
3. Court-Level Production
Carpets of this fineness were:
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Time-intensive to weave
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Likely produced in royal or elite workshops
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Intended for important ceremonial or diplomatic use
Cultural and Investment Significance
From a modern perspective, carpets of this calibre represent more than decorative textiles. They are:
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Historical documents of Safavid art and culture
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Museum-level masterpieces with global recognition
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Investment-grade artworks due to rarity and craftsmanship
Seventeenth-century Kashan silk carpets are among the most sought-after pieces in major international collections and auctions.
Why This Piece Matters Today
For collectors, designers, and executives looking at art as both culture and capital, this carpet demonstrates:
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The power of craftsmanship as a luxury asset
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The enduring value of authentic, hand-made heritage objects
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The storytelling potential behind historical textiles
It is a reminder that true luxury is not mass-produced—it is woven over months or years, knot by knot, by master artisans.