Oriental Rugs Glossary

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Kashmir

Kashmir is the most northern province of India. Since many years it is a controversial and contested area between Pakistan and India. Kashmir has become famous for its traditional printed woolen and embroidered cloths. The often used Kashmir wool comes from the Kashmir goat whose underwool (the fluff hair) is being made into high quality yarn. The beginning of carpet making has a romantic story around it: back in 1398 when the Sultan of Kashmir sent his son as the highest tribute to Samarkand (Uzbekistan). His son was very impressed by the high culture of this city and contacted rug makers who later accompanied him back to Kashmir. Since Mogul Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627) the Kashmir rugs belong to the highest quality Indo-Persian rugs.