Kashmar iran rug
Every Iranian knows the story of the cypress tree that Zoroaster brought from heaven and planted in Kashmar. The city of Kashmar, formerly known as Turshiz, is now an important center of carpet weaving in Khorasan and has earned a prominent place in the carpet industry of Iran.
History of Kashmar Carpets
Kashmar (formerly Turshiz) is one of the cities in Khorasan Razavi, located 230 kilometers from Mashhad. After Mashhad, Birjand, and Derakhsh, Kashmar holds the fourth position among carpet weaving centers in Khorasan. The beginning of the modern carpet weaving era in Kashmar can be traced back to the years between 1260 and 1280. Mohammad Karami was the first master carpet weaver in the Kashmar region. Based on his name, it seems he was originally from Kerman and migrated to Kashmar.
The year 1340 (1961) can be considered a turning point, a time of transformation and innovation for Kashmar carpets. In this year, the arrival of Master Alipour brought significant changes to carpet weaving in Khorasan, especially in Kashmar. Innovation in designs, along with increasing the knot count of carpets to 35 and 40, marked this period. The introduction of the “Zir Khaki” pattern, known in Khorasan, especially in Kashmar, as the “Kassé o Koze” design, was a new trend. This design, featuring images of vases, pitchers, and bowls along with various scenes, was mostly produced in shades of red and navy blue. Another innovation introduced by Master Alipour, who came from Tabriz, was the lack of colorization in the patterns during the design phase, with each section of the design being marked by a specific number.
Since 1971, due to the popularity of Kashan carpets with their unique designs, a period began in Kashmar carpet weaving. However, because the quality of Kashmar carpets was relatively lower compared to the authentic Kashan versions, there was limited success in the sale and distribution of these carpets. In 1981, attention shifted to the traditional designs of Khorasan, particularly the types of “Afshan” and “Lachak and Toranj Shah-Abbasi” patterns with large flowers characteristic of Mashhad carpets, leading to a return to the region’s authentic carpets, including the “Zir Khaki” design. This marked the beginning of a new era in Kashmar carpet weaving. However, during this period, the production and sale of Kashan-style carpets continued intermittently.
In 1987, due to the exceptional and booming market for Naein carpets, both domestically and internationally, which spread rapidly in Khorasan compared to other provinces, many weavers from Kashmar began producing carpets in the Naein style. Based on the patterns and designs of Kashmar carpets, they can be classified into four categories:
Naein designs
Kashan designs
Pictorial designs
New European flower designs.
Features of Kashmar Carpets
In terms of knot type, the asymmetrical (Persian) knot is the most commonly used in Kashmar carpets and those from surrounding villages. However, the symmetrical (Turkish) knot is also used occasionally and in limited quantities.
The finishing of all Kashmar carpets is done after the weaving is complete. Additionally, the shearing and trimming of the knots are carried out by finishing workshops using electric scissors.
The warping of all Kashmar carpets is done in the Turkish style on a loom. Wool is the primary material used in Kashmar carpets, with a limited use of silk in lighter Naein-style carpets. The knot density of Kashmar carpets is typically around 35 to 40 knots per square inch. The weaving mechanism is flat weave, and the weavers of Kashmar primarily create carpets in sizes of 2×3, 2.5×3.5, and 3×4 meters, showing less interest in smaller rugs. The use of synthetic dyes among Kashmar dyers is widespread due to their ease of use and low cost.
Design and Color of Kashmar Carpets
The designs of Kashmar carpets are largely inspired by the patterns of regions such as Tabriz, Mashhad, Naein, and Kashan. One notable example is the “Zir Khaki” design from Tabriz, which sometimes lacks borders, with the entire surface of the carpet covered by motifs of column capitals, historical buildings, vases, and ancient vessels. Among the plant motifs in Kashmar carpets, the cypress design holds great significance, occupying a large portion of the carpet’s field and background. Its importance is highlighted by historical references to the cypress tree of Zoroaster. In animal motifs, the Simorgh (mythical bird) design is one of the most unique patterns in Kashmar carpets, found almost nowhere else in the carpet designs of other regions, making it a distinctive feature of Kashmar carpets.