Tapis persan Kashan | 3,10 m x 3,99 m

This piece showcases one of the most beautiful Kashan carpet designs, known in the trade as the "Poplin" design. The origins of the Poplin design date back to the Qajar era, a time when imported European fabrics became a profound source of inspiration for Iranian rug designers.

Poplin is one of the world's most historic and authentic fabrics, originating in the 15th century (around 1400 AD) in Avignon, France. Initially, it was woven as a highly luxurious textile made of pure silk. The name "Poplin" is derived from the French word Papeline, referencing its place of production in the Palais des Papes (Papal Palace) in Avignon.

During the Qajar and Pahlavi periods, Iranian master designers drew inspiration from these Poplin fabrics to create captivating and exquisite patterns for Persian rugs across various regions, particularly in Kashan. This rug is a stunning exemplar of the Poplin design, transformed into a magnificent work of art through the addition of traditional Iranian motifs and a harmonious structural composition.

A distinctive feature of the Poplin design is its "seamless" or integrated border (Hashiyeh Sarkhod). In other words, the section of the pattern that functions as a border through its motifs is simultaneously perceived as an extension of the main field.

To convey a sense of boundlessness and continuity, the designer crafts the central medallion (Toranj) in a way that avoids creating a strict focal point, allowing the viewer's gaze to flow seamlessly across the entire rug.

Poplin designs consistently feature traces of European motifs. In this piece, the inclusion of French rose patterns serves as a testament to this influence, colored with such exceptional skill that the overall harmony of the design remains flawlessly intact.

The depiction of historical monuments, complete with turquoise domes and battlements, is a recurring symbol of Iranian culture, civilization, and architecture in many Persian handicrafts. In this carpet, this beautiful reflection of Iranian heritage is magically brought to life by the designer using a blend of botanical patterns, evoking a direct link between the rug and the culture.

Within the border space, alongside realistic depictions of birds, we can spot elegant peacock motifs formed through a combination of botanical elements. In Poplin designs, conceptual symbols frequently emerge from such intricate blending of motifs.

Ultimately, this Kashan carpet can be seen as a symbol of the cultural union between East and West. It carries profound cultural significance, illustrating that art knows no geographical boundaries and that humanity can find a common language through the shared axis of beauty.

• Age: Mid-20th century
• Origin: Kashan, Persia
• Material: Hand-knotted wool pile on a cotton foundation
• Dimensions: 10' 2" x 13' 1" (310 x 400 cm)
  
• Condition: Excellent, near-new condition overall. Features one tiny area with a lighter color, pointed out in the photos, and an authentic vintage seal on the back indicating minimal to no usage.