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Mohtashem Kashan. From the late-19th to the early 20th century the finest quality rugs from Kashan were  called Mohtashem and said to be from the workshop of "Mohtashem". Today it is generally assumed that Mohtashem is an indication of fine Kashan workshop production rather than a firm attribution. However with the existence of some signed Mohtashem rugs it is certain that the workshop existed. The early Kashan carpets were made with imported merino wool that was called Manchester wool. in the trade. The wool is softer and finer than the native Iranian rug wool. This came to an end with he financial collapse that started the Great Depression. At the same time as the collapse of the stock market the world rug market collapsed as well.  The major British and German rug companies defaulted on their commitments and Reza Shah stepped in to nationalize the major carpet companies. At this point the use of the more expensive imported wool  ceased and what we know as a Mohtashem Kashan carpet ceased as well.