Keshan has always been famed for its handicrafts. The villages lies on the main road between Ghom and Isfahan in central Iran. To the East, the region borders Iran´s largest desert, Dasht-E Kavir. The art of rugmaking reached its zenit between the end of the 1800s and the second world war. The antique/semiantique rugs from this period are extraordinarily beautiful and are naturally much-sought-after objects. Despite the decline of this particular handicraft during the 20th century, many beautiful Keshan rugs are still being produced in accordance with the traditions of the old masters, e.g. decorated with the beautiful medallion patterns or tapestry featuring human and animal motifs. The patterns are most commonly woven around a medallion in the centre of the rug, some of which are repeated in the corners. The other fields are densely decorated with realistic flowers and vines. The main border often features the "herati" motif (an arched leaf), while the secondary borders feature rosettes. Brick red and dark blue are the most common base colours. Keshan Lork is the name of one of the finest and most densely-knotted Keshan types, and for these rugs, the best wool from the sheep´s neck (kork) is used. Silk is used to emphasise the motifs. In addition, these rugs often feature the name of the person who made them, e.g. Keshan Shadasar. The neighbouring villages of Yazd, Kashmar and Ardekan also produces rugs bearing the Keshan pattern. These are less densely-knotted, but the price means that they are very popular in europe. The weave and weft of Keshan rugs are usually cotton. The wool pile is cut short and is of a very fine quality.
Knot density: 150-1000.000 knots/m2
Normally Keshan rugs are produced i the following sizes: 150x100, 200x130, 250x150, 300x200, 350x250, 300x400 cm. The fine Keshan Kork rugs are normally avaiable in the sizes 220x140, 300x200 cm.