Souf Kashans, an elite sub genre of Kashan rugs that are extremely rare and very rarely seen, but when they do become available they’re snapped up straight away by collectors and investors alike. They’re woven using a combination of techniques, both a flat weave background of either metal threads (Gold or Silver) or silk and then the design on top is a knotted pile weave of elevated silk, creating a 3D effect.
History of Souf Kashan Rugs
There are records of Souf rugs dating back to Shah Abbas the Great (1571-1629) during the height of the Safavid period, unfortunately none of these examples are still in existence but they have been depicted in paintings from the same time period.
The more modern and sought after/collected Souf Kashans are from the mid - late 19th century, and they were only produced until the end of the Qajar period (1920-1925). Whilst there are a few Souf replica rugs that are produced in Qum and others that were produced in Hereke (Turkey) the truly special and real pieces were produced in the city of Kashan in Central Persia.
The mid - late 19th century was to some extent the zenith of Persian rug production in Kashan, not only were Souf rugs produced but also another rare subgenre of Kashan rugs; Mohtashem Kashan. Both of these were the finest rugs that Kashan ever produced and unfortunately today they simply do not produce rugs to the same standard.
They both stopped being produced at a time where Persia was suffering from bad leadership and poverty during the end of the Qajar period, because of the vast amount of time and prices of materials taken to produce them it no longer made sense to produce them and the intricate skills and beauty was lost to time, and unfortunately they’re not likely to be produced again.
Characteristics of Kashan Souf Rugs
Traditional Kashan Souf rugs were produced on a metallic thread, either Gold or more commonly Silver, there are some that were produced on Silk thread as well but they are less sought after than their metal counter parts. On top of the metal or silk flat woven thread is raised knotted piled silk that follows the traditional Esfahan Shah Abbasi floral design. Below is a close up example of the knotted pile woven on top of Silver & Silk thread;
Traditionally the Souf rugs that were produced were smaller in size, 2m x 1.4m or 1.5m x 1.00m due to the complexity of their production and the time it takes to weave them. The example we are showing here is a very rare 3m x 2m piece which would have be specifically commissioned for royalty or nobility.
Buying Tips
Unfortunately when trying to purchase a real Souf Kashan rug, much like the art world, these masterworks have their forgeries and replicas. Despite there being a quite well known time period that these rugs were woven the exact number produced is unknown, and they do not come up for sale all that often.
Buy from a trusted specialist or auction house
Gold & Silver thread are more valuable than Silk thread
Typically they come in smaller sizes