Nain rugs
Finely knotted Persian rugs in ivory and blue, with silk outlining the design.
Not sure about yours?Upload two photos and get a free report in about 15 seconds.Check my rugFrom cloth to carpets
Nain was known for fine woolen cloth used to make the aba, a long cloak. As demand for that cloth fell in the early 20th century, weavers in the town turned to carpets.
Nain workshops were making fine rugs by the 1930s. The Habibian family workshop became the best known, and rugs from it are still the most sought after.
Designs and colors
Early Nain designs followed those of nearby Isfahan: a central medallion with corner pieces on a field of scrolling vines and palmettes. Over time Nain developed a look of its own.
The usual palette is ivory or cream with sky blue and navy, and touches of beige and brown. Red and green grounds exist but are less common. Silk is used to outline flowers and vines, so the design catches the light.
What 4 La, 6 La and 9 La mean
La is a Persian word for a layer or strand. In Nain rugs it describes how many strands are twisted together to make each warp thread.
Fewer strands make a thinner warp, which allows smaller knots. A 4 La is the finest and rarest grade, a 6 La is fine, and a 9 La is the most common. The grade is a guide to fineness, not a guarantee of quality, so condition and drawing still matter.
How to recognize one
Turn the rug over. A Nain shows a dense, even grid of small knots, and the silk outlines show as fine, shiny lines on the front. The pile is clipped short so the detail stays sharp.
Nain designs have been woven in India and elsewhere, often sold as Indo Nain. These can be well made, but they are not Persian Nain rugs. The knot, the foundation and the fineness help tell them apart.
Quick answers
Is a Nain rug a Persian rug?
Yes. Nain is a town in Iran, and Nain rugs are Persian city rugs. Rugs woven elsewhere in the Nain style are often sold as Indo Nain.
Which is finer, a 6 La or a 9 La Nain?
A 6 La is finer. The number counts the strands in each warp thread, and fewer strands allow smaller knots.
What is the difference between a Nain and an Isfahan rug?
Both are fine city rugs from central Iran with medallion designs. Nain rugs usually keep to ivory and blue with silk outlines, while Isfahan rugs use more red, navy and rose.
Is the silk in a Nain rug real?
In a genuine Nain the highlights are usually real silk. Some rugs use mercerized cotton or rayon instead, which looks similar when new. A burn test on a loose fiber is the surest check, so ask a professional if it matters.
Check your rug for free
How it was made, the design, likely origin and an estimated value.
Upload photos