These fine Persian rugs and carpets were named after the Governor of the Persian City Kashan. There were produced from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. These rugs and carpets often used the very best Merino wool imported from Manchester England, which was particularly fine and soft. Motashem Kashan's are highly valued by collectors of exquisite Persian rugs and carpets.

Arbrushes are visible stripes of differing tones of colour found in handmade oriental rugs and carpets. Arbrushes happen for various reasons, the main and original reason was the accidental variation in colour between batches of dyed wool. When the weaver runs out of wool and changes to a new batch, the chances are that the colour will not be an exact match. This shows up as stripes across the rug. Arbrushes can become more visible in older rugs and carpets as the dyes fade at different rates, but this can add to a rugs appeal. It has to be said that some customers have trouble accepting Arbrushes, but it's a natural occurrence in handmade Oriental rugs and carpets, in fact new rugs that are produced today often have Arbrushes deliberately woven into them to help break up the uniformity of the back ground colour.

A fine price was paid for this 16th century Mamluk carpet size 2.58m x 2.40m. The Mamluk dynasty ruled Egypt under direct control of the ottoman empire until the Napoleonic French conquest in 1798. http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/rugs-carpets/the-baillet-latour-mamluk-carpet-egypt-probably-cairo-5780063-details.aspx

Oriental carpet production dates back countless centuries, we can’t put an exact date on the precise origins of Persian carpets but one thing we do know is carpets of this quality were being produced in the 5^th century BC. How do we know this? We have evidence thanks to the Pazyryk carpet, a gem that was discovered just after the Second World War, it’s the oldest known surviving carpet in the world and it’s an absolute gem! Discovery of the Pazyryk carpet The Pazyryk carpet is living proof of the heritage of woven carpets, it was discovered by Russian archaeologist Sergei Rudenko in the Pazyryk Valley, preserved inside a Scythian burial mound. This exciting discovery was even more amazing thanks to the condition of the carpet and the fact that it was relatively complete. It would appear the grave it was buried in was disturbed at some point, this broke the seal which allowed moisture inside - the water froze and entombed the rug within its icy grasp. By sheer luck the rug was preserved and it survived for centuries to the benefit of mankind. History of the Pazyryk carpet Radiocarbon testing was used to verify the age of the carpet and the results indicated it was hand-woven in the 5^th Century BC. It is believed the oldest known example of carpet was woven specifically for a burial, the grave it was found in belonged to a Scythian prince so it doesn’t take a stretch of the imagination to assume it was painstakingly produced at great expense. The carpet measures 2m x 1.83m, it’s symmetrical in shape and woven into the design of the carpet are winged griffons, horses, antlered deer as well as an abstract of floral motifs. Carpets this old and this rare exceptional, if you want to see the Pazyryk carpet in person take a trip to The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersberg, it’s worth the journey if you are as passionate about rugs as we are!

Now that spring is finally here, it reminds me of the spring carpet of Chosroes I (AD531-579), the Persian King of the Sasanian dynasty. To celebrate his victory over the Romans and his conquest of southern Arabia, King Chosroes ordered the manufacture of the world's most expensive carpet ever made. It is estimated to have been as much as four hundred feet long by one hundred feet wide. The design was said to be of a beautiful garden in spring, with trees and flower beds interlaced by streams and paths, which the King could actually walk down, enjoying the spring carpet all through the year. Variations of this design can still be found in Persian rugs and carpets woven today, and many fine examples can be found in London's Oriental rug warehouses. Unfortunately in the year 627 King Chosroes II was defeated by the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius, who allowed visitors to cut pieces of the spring carpet to take home as souvenirs.

Azerbaijan is the largest country of the Caucasus region. The capital City of Baku is located 28 metres below sea level, making it the world's lowest lying capital City. The production of handmade rugs and carpets in Azerbaijan dates back to the 2nd millennium BC. Azerbaijani rugs and carpets woven in the 19th century can still be found in the market today, but attract a large price for these beautiful rare rugs. Look out for famous Azerbaijani rugs like Kazak, Karabagh, Shirvan, Kuba and Lenkoran to name but a few. In London's wholesale Oriental rug warehouses antique Azerbaijani rugs can still be found in very small numbers, and would be a valued addition to any Oriental rug collection.

The new spring stock of handmade Oriental rugs and carpets is starting to arrive at London's Oriental rug and carpet warehouses. For over 100 years London's warehouses have been a world renowned centre for handmade Oriental rugs and carpets. So why not make an appointment with David J.Wilkins a recognized Oriental rug broker and expert who along with his son Alexander has been guiding his clients through the labyrinth of London's Oriental rug warehouses and helping them find the right carpet for the right price. We look forward to hearing from you soon and showing you around London's Oriental rug warehouses. www.orientalrugexperts.com

The production of Kashmir rugs and carpets is mainly centered in and around the city of Srinagar, in this disputed region of northern India. Kashmir rugs and carpets are handmade and can be found woven in wool, silk and mercerised cotton (imitation silk beware). They are available in a wide range of colours, and the silk rugs come in very pleasant pastel shades. The designs are distinctly Persian as rug and carpet weaving is not thought to be indigenous to Kashmir but introduced by the Persian's. Popular Persian rug and carpet designs found in Kashmir are, Tree of life, The Garden design and other floral Persian city designs. Kashmir rugs and carpets can be found in a range of sizes from 3ft x 2ft right up to 18ft x 12ft. Its a common Indian holiday souvenir, but even after extensive haggling the tourist rarely comes off best, and when arriving home often find they could have purchased there Kashmir rug for much much less from London's Oriental rug warehouses.  

Oriental rugs suit a diverse range of home interiors and Asian inspired themes work particularly well with a rug of this quality. Try a taste of the Orient in your home and add a few traditional features that’ll compliment the look of the rug, we suggest using some of the following at David J Wilkins.

• Bamboo blinds: Simple and rather beautiful, bamboo blinds might be understated but you really don’t need to go overboard with window features when you have a large oriental rug as the centrepiece to the room. Bamboo blinds are good because you can blend them with any wall colour you want and they won’t look out of place.
• Buddha statue: Bring joy, kindness and prosperity into your home with your very own Buddha statue. Be careful which Buddha you buy though. The pose and stature of the statue have different meanings and there are unique hand gestures that have a range of connotations so find out all you can about your Buddha before you bring him home.
• Oriental room divider: Great for defining different areas of the room, choose a Shoji screen made from timber and reinforced paper segments, it’s subtle and has a rather dainty feel.
• Paper lanterns: Chinese lanterns are a familiar sight during festivals, they’re normally bright red, bold and very cheery. How about using plain white paper lanterns as part of an Asian-themed room though? They’re soft, gentle and peaceful, plus they’d be the perfect contrast for a bold Chinese rug.
• Bonsai plant: Nurture a baby bonsai or grow your own mini forest in a corner of the room. Plants bring life, colour and enjoyment to a room, plus it’s such a rewarding experience to trim, prune and care for a miniature tree, so add that to your list of Oriental themed room accessories.

All of the above suggestions work well with Oriental rugs or you could try a few ideas of your own. Have fun!