Kashmiri Hand Knotted Carpet
Carpets, Rugs and Durries
History
Kashmir hand-knotted carpets, introduced in the 15th century by Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin, use wool and silk with 200–900 knots per square inch. Crafted with Farsi Baff and Persian Sehna knots, they feature intricate floral and geometric motifs, reflecting Persian–Central Asian influence and luxurious craftsmanship.
Raw Materials and Tools
Raw Materials:
- Cotton
- Wool
- Staple Fiber
- Natural & Synthetic Dyes
- Warp & Weft Threads
- Talim (Design Code)
Tools:
- Hooked knife / Khoor
- Comb beater / Panie
- Scissors / Dukaier
Process
Kashmir hand-knotted carpets can take up to two years to make. The process starts with Talim, a written code guiding weavers on design, colors, and layout. Yarn is sourced, dyed, and dried, then weaving begins on a loom with vertical warps and horizontal wefts. Knots of wool, silk, or cotton are tied around warps, forming the carpet’s pile, secured by wefts and tightened with a comb beater. Knot density (16–800 per square inch) determines quality and value. Fringes and detailing are added, showcasing Kashmiri artisans’ skill.
Design and Color
Kashmiri hand-knotted carpets feature traditional oriental and floral designs, often incorporating culturally significant motifs like paisley, chinar trees, and the tree-of-life. The Talim, a coded pattern, guides weavers in knotting pile yarn around warp yarn, representing the number of knots and their color.
Product Range
Kashmir hand-knotted carpets come in Silk on Silk (pure silk), Silk on Cotton (cotton warp, silk weft), Wool (pure wool), and Staple (synthetic silk/mercerized cotton). Each showcases Persian-inspired motifs and unique Kashmiri designs, offering durability, elegance, and luxury for homes and collectors.