(#H1365) approx. 435x315cm Hand-knotted Isfahan (Isafahan)

Isfahan Carpet Guide

Located in the heart of Iran at the foot of the Zagros Mountains, the city of Isfahan has a rich history of carpet making. During the reign of Malik Shah I and later Shah Abbas II, Isfahan became the capital of Persia (Iran). The history of carpet making in Isfahan has been interrupted time and again, mainly by military occupations and invasions. -1736) a renaissance of art took place throughout Persia, which peaked especially under the rule of Shab Abbas and was concentrated in the cultural cities. Many cultures have settled in Isfahan over the centuries. To this day, the cosmopolitan city is full of ornate works of art, stunning mosques, bridges, palaces and world-renowned architecture. Besides the architecture and the fine carpets, Isfahan is also known for its textiles, arts, steel, handicrafts, metalworking, traditional foods and sweets. Isfahan carpets are of excellent quality, made from soft cork wool (often with silk details or underlays) and very tightly woven piles. The carpets knotted in this city are probably the finest and most valuable in the whole world. The most popular design is a central medallion surrounded by tendrils or flowers, usually red, blue or indigo, on an ivory background. Other popular design elements and motifs include vases, gardens, tree of life motifs, Shah his Abbasi motifs and paintings. The inspiration for the carpet design comes not only from traditional motifs and patterns, nature, poetry and great poets, but also from the city's rich architectural history. The famous Shah Lutov Allah Mosque is a special muse for the many carpets that are made in this great city. Carpets knotted in Isfahan can have as many as 120 or more knots per square inch, but typically over 200 if knotted in the city itself rather than in the surrounding towns and villages. High-quality Isfahan carpets are often made of silk, which makes them very fine and valuable. Sizes vary but most are medium to large. The Sayrafian family and their workshops are among the best-known weavers. Some of the most expensive carpets in the world come from Isfahan. Many of them were knotted before the Afghan invasion, i.e. before the 17th century. The world famous Polish or Polonaise rugs with silver and gold threads were also knotted in Isfahan, not Poland as the name might suggest.