(1) elegant east persian traditional weaving centre. (2) A city and province in southeastern Iran which is responsible for rug production since the Safavid empire in the 16th century. Major production began in the 1890's when most of Kerman's rugs were exported to America. Designs include those of floral patterns, central medallions, pictorial designs, panels, and of prayer formats. Foundation is of cotton with triple weft between each row of knots. Knot count is usually high - between 150-400 per square "