MOHTASHAM KASHAN
Central Persian (SOLD)

(High-Collectible) ("Best-of-its-Type Sold in 2020”) (High-Collectible) Woven in the middle ground between the Safavid dynasty’s legendary ateliers and the commercialization of the weaving tradition at the end of the 19th century, this profoundly eloquent 200-year-old rug speaks to the profound artistic inspiration found in pieces that period and especially Kashan’s distinctly sensitive tradition. Its lobed, teardrop medallion that occupies the length of the field was exploratory for its time, here nestling into the rest of the design rather than dominating it, which takes infinitely more skill. The filling of the parchment toned field captures the delicacy of detail for which Mohtashams will become renowned; the compression at the bottom and expanding upper vinery is brilliantly executed. Of astonishingly fine weave and still vibrantly glowing from colors slow-dyed two centuries ago, this piece occupies a seminal position in Kashan artistry. Learn About This Rug Type