Attached photos are of an old silk Kashan I have an opportunity to purchase.

Rug size is about 4' x 6'. Weave is not particularly tight (about 81 knots sq cm - I didn't get a chance to take a "ruler on the back" photo for knot count). Blue weft (typical of Kashan I believe).

I am told the rug probably has some areas of dry rot and should only be rolled, not folded. And should be displayed on the wall, not walked on.

I have handled the rug and it is flexible and supple/can be rolled up like a typical rug. I didn't hear any cracking (potential dry rot) sounds...but I am not experienced with dry rot.

I have examined the front and back by sight and feel and can't discern any repairs.
Wear - there are several smaller (smaller than a post-it note) areas of low pile (a couple showing the foundation) and some small areas of corrosion of certain color(s).

I think it is a beautiful rug and if I purchase it, it will be sewn on a linen backing and displayed on the wall.

Normally I would never consider a rug with a potential/probable dry rot issue but it seems like a special rug. I also think silk Kashans are not common.

I was also told it is more than 100 years old (although age is not of great importance to me...I am not an antique rug collector).

Please provide me with your thoughts about the rug's quality, design, rarity and it's probable dry rot condition issue. Or any thoughts on current market value.

I have been an amateur collector (working with a modest budget) for about 25 years. Unfortunately, I still feel like an amateur so your thoughts are greatly appreciated!

Thank you

It is a nice Silk Kashan, but as you have written the condition is problematic. I can´t give an estimate without knowing how much of the warp and weft is dry. If it is a larger area I would not spend more than USD 1000.00 on it.