CENTRAL PERSIA, CIRCA 1900

This is a very good example of a second generation Kashan 'Mohtasham' rug. The wool used is even softer than that in the earlier examples, and it is also left considerably longer in the trimming process. A considerable number of carpets in the 1910-1940s period, especially "American" Sarouk carpets went through a succession of washes after the manufacturing which were intended to get the colours to the right intensity for the market. A considerable proportion at this stage were also surface dies, to increase the intensity of one or more colours. The present rug has had this done to the pink-red field, giving the rug a considerably stronger tonality than it had when made.