Kashans are highly treasured and classed among the very best Persian carpets and rugs. Kashan is north of Isfahan in the centre of Persia, this is also a town where fine rugs and carpets were woven, both have similarities in design and colour. Kashan is the oldest carpet-producing city in Central Persia. Famous for its production of silk carpets, carpet weaving was revived in the late 19th century. There are different grades of Kashan rugs due to the the wool used and the best were known as Kurk or Mohtasham Kashan rugs. The kurk or kork wool was the finest and softest wool from around the sheeps neck.