Persian Nain Rugs

Persian rugs are always fascinating, especially the finer end of the spectrum. Rug such as Esfahan, Tabriz and Ghom are always high on the listed as ultra desirable rugs. Another one of these ultra desirable rugs is the Nain (also spelt Naeen). Here we discuss the history, the construction and the value of Nain rugs.

Nain is actually a small oasis town located in the centre of Iran, very close to the famous city of Esfahan. For centuries the town was producing high quality handmade woollen cloth. However by the end of the 19th century, due to a decline in its native business the town commissioned weavers from Esfahan to create hand knotted rugs. It is blatantly clear when looking at a Nain rug that it has its lineage from Esfehan rugs. But from WW2 onwards, they settled into design and quality of their own, using very often highlightings of blue with cream or ivory backgrounds. Depending on fineness the warp and weft will be either silk or cotton. Most usually cotton is employed, with varying levels of ply referred to as "la", with the lower numbers meaning finer quality.

Nain rugs are constructed using the Persian knot and can be between 300 and 700 knots per inch. The pile is usually very high quality wool, clipped short and silk is most usually used as highlighting for parts of the detailing in the design. Some pieces are made entirely of silk. Nains are made in most sizes but are most common in medium and large sizes. It is worth mentioning that Nains are often made in the areas surrounding Nain and not necessarily the town itself. Nains utilize the Shah Abbas Design and make use of flowing design such as flowers and tendrils.

Nowadays Nain itself only produces very fine 4 or 6 La quality. Other 9 La and 12 La are produced mostly in Khorassan region i.e. Kashmar, Mashhad, etc.

By far the most famous and influencial Nain masterweaver is Habibian, and rugs produced from his workshop are among the finest and most sought after carpets in the World.

BUYING GUIDE

When buying a Nain, or Nain design rug, ensure that the rug is straight (along the sides and along the fringes!). The finer quality (9 la to 4 la) will have to be straight, almost perfectly so, and if not this is in most cases a negative point for that rug, and considered a fault, devaluing it.

The better quality Nain rugs will be made of kork wool, and will feel softer and denser to the touch. Some are likely to have silk highlights in the pile, although increasingly, faux silk and even cotton are used on the less fine rugs.

Most rugs are made using a cotton warp and weft, with varying degrees of fineness. The finest rugs also utilise silk for the warp and weft.