PERSIAN NAIN WOOL AND SILK RUG

This elegant hand-knotted rug comes from the city of Nain in central Iran, where the tradition of rug weaving developed only in the early 20th century. Nain is located near Isfahan, and local weavers drew considerable inspiration from the renowned rug-making traditions of that city.

Nain rugs are known for their lighter colour palettes, fine knotting, classical medallion compositions and the use of silk. The silk adds a subtle sheen to the outlines of the pattern, becoming especially visible as the light changes. The photographs show that some of the silk details have worn over the years through use. This is a beautiful sign of the rug’s long history and also gives the surface a more lively and varied appearance. In Nain rugs, silk is traditionally used to highlight the design and define finer contours.

The rug is richly decorated with intertwined flowers, arabesques and flowing vegetal motifs, all presented in a very classic colour palette. Shades of blue, white, creamy beige and brown are combined with small wine-red accents. The dark background makes the lighter floral motifs stand out especially clearly, while the pale blue medallion adds freshness to the overall composition. Despite the richness of the pattern, the rug does not feel visually busy, as the symmetry and repeating motifs keep the design balanced.

Condition: The rug is in very good condition. The silk has worn unevenly over time, but the wool pile remains intact. The edges have been reinforced on the reverse with leather strips. The rug has been both dry and wet cleaned by us.

Date: 1970–1990
Dimensions: 245 × 154 cm
Thickness: 0,8 cm
Material: Cotton warp, silk and wool pile