Persan Kashmar (Cycle des Saisons) - 12'7″ x 10'1″

Nestled in the sun-kissed plains of northeastern Iran’s Razavi Khorasan Province, Kashmar is a city steeped in history and tradition, breathing life into its arid landscape. Once known as Torshiz, it has long been a center for culture, trade, and craftsmanship, thriving as a crossroads of the Silk Road. According to legend, Kashmar was founded beneath the shade of a sacred myrtle tree, brought by the mythical hero Zahhak—a tale echoing from the Sassanid era. The city flourished over centuries, supported by qanats, underground canals ingeniously channeling water from distant mountains. It remains a testament to resilience, where crumbling caravanserais whisper of ancient traders, and the aroma of saffron and pomegranate orchards fills the air. Amid this rich heritage, Kashmar rug-making was born—a craft as enduring as the city itself.

Renowned for their exquisite artistry, Kashmar rugs are masterpieces of Persian weaving, embodying centuries of skill and tradition. These handwoven treasures are crafted using techniques passed down through generations, employing the finest Khorasani wool and sturdy cotton foundations. Rich hues of crimson, cobalt blue, ivory, and green, derived from natural dyes like pomegranate rinds and walnut shells, give these rugs a timeless depth that mellows gracefully over time. Their designs, often featuring intricate floral motifs, central medallions, and historical vignettes, serve as more than just decoration—they are narrative artworks. One of their most unique features is the Zir Khaki pattern, or “under the soil,” depicting scenes from Persian mythology and history, adding an unparalleled storytelling element to these carpets.

With high knot densities, often exceeding 120 to 200 knots per square inch, Kashmar rugs are woven over months or even years, each thread a storyteller of Persian artistry. Their thick wool pile, sometimes accented with silk highlights, ensures durability and elegance, making them sought after by collectors worldwide. Despite modern challenges, Kashmar’s rugs continue to sustain the local economy and preserve a timeless art form, bridging heritage and contemporary design. Whether adorning grand estates or modern interiors, each Kashmar rug remains a fragment of the city’s enduring spirit, weaving history into every fiber.