(#H1366) approx. 339x242cm Hand-knotted Kashan (Kashan)

ISFAHAN CATEGORY GUIDELINES

Located in central Iran at the foot of the Zagros Mountains, the city of Isfahan has a long history of carpet making. During the reigns of Malik Shah I and later Shah Abbas the Great, Isfahan was designated the capital of Ba Fourth (Iran). The history of carpet making in Isfahan has been repeatedly interrupted, mainly by military occupation and invasion. Also spelled and pronounced Isfahan, Sepahan, Esfahan or Hispahan, the city reached its peak during the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736), particularly during the reign of Shab Abbas, when there was a revival of the arts throughout Persia , with the focus on the culture of the city. Many cultures have settled in Isfahan over the centuries and to this day this cosmopolitan city is full of ornate artworks, mosques, bridges, stunning palaces and architecture. world famous architecture. Besides the architecture and high-quality tapestries, Isfahan is also famous for textiles, fine arts, steel, handicrafts, metallurgy, as well as traditional dishes and sweets. The carpets from Isfahan are of excellent quality and are made of soft wool (often with silk details or fond) and very dense material. The carpets knotted in this city are perhaps the best and most valuable in the world. The most common design is a central medallion surrounded by tendrils or flowers, usually in red, blue, or indigo on an ivory background. Other popular design elements and motifs are vases, gardens, tree of life motifs, Shah Abbasi motifs and paintings. The inspiration for the design of the carpets comes from traditional patterns and motifs, nature, poetry and great poets, but also from the city's rich architectural history; the famous Mosque of Shah Lutf Allah is a special muse for the many tapestries that are created in this wonderful city. The number of knots per square inch used in woven carpets in Isfahan can range from 120 and more, but is usually over 200 when woven in the city itself rather than the surrounding town or village. Many high-quality Isfahan carpets are woven on a silk basis, which is why they are particularly beautiful and valuable. Sizes vary but most are medium to large. Famous weavers include the Seirafian family and their workshops. Some of the most expensive carpets in the world come from Isfahan. Many of them were woven before the invasion of Afghanistan, i.e. before the 17th century. The world-famous Polish or Polish carpets with silver and gold threads were also woven in Isfahan - not Poland as their name might suggest.