Antique Kashan Persian Medallion Light Beige Hand-Knotted Wool Rug – Circa 1900 Mohtashem BB6834 8'4" × 11'7" $53,000

This exquisite 1900’s Antique Persian Mohtashem Kashan rug exemplifies the artistry and refinement of one of Persia’s most revered weaving centers during the late 19th to early 20th century. Woven in the city of Kashan—renowned for producing some of the finest Persian carpets—this piece bears the hallmarks of the famed Mohtashem workshop, celebrated for its exceptional wool quality, precision of weave, and masterful design.

The rug features a striking central medallion in a warm terra-cotta tone, radiating intricate floral motifs in shades of ivory, light blue, and midnight indigo. This medallion rests upon a deep, inky navy field densely populated with lush, scrolling botanical patterns—a symphony of stylized blossoms, leafy tendrils, and delicate palmettes rendered in soft coral, sky blue, and cream. The surrounding field flows seamlessly into elaborate spandrels, each mirroring the medallion’s intricate floral compositions and balanced symmetry.

Encasing the field is a sumptuous border system, anchored by a wide main border adorned with interconnected palmettes and floral sprays in soft gold, blue, and ivory against a muted teal ground. Narrow guard borders, finely detailed with meandering floral vines, frame the composition and enhance its visual harmony.

True to Mohtashem’s legacy, the rug is woven from the finest kork (lamb’s wool), imparting a luminous sheen and velvety texture. The refined knotting—often exceeding 200 knots per square inch—ensures crisp detailing in every motif.

With its timeless Persian palette and classical Safavid-inspired pattern, this Mohtashem Kashan rug is both a testament to its era’s technical mastery and a versatile work of art suited for traditional and contemporary interiors alike.

This antique rug, sourced from Doris Leslie Blau, showcases a rare blend of history and craftsmanship. Doris Leslie Blau offers a broad and varied pricing spectrum, accommodating collectors and designers across a range of budgets—from modest vintage finds to rare, museum-worthy masterpieces.