(#H1368) approx. 350x241cm Hand-knotted Kashan (Kashan)

ISFAHAN CARPETS GUIDE

Located in central Iran at the foot of the Zagros Mountains, the city of Isfahan has a rich history of carpet production. During the reigns of Malik-Shah I and later Shah Abbas the Great, Isfahan was chosen as the capital of Persia (Iran). The history of carpet making in Isfahan has been interrupted several times due to military occupations and invasions. The city reached its peak during the Safavid Dynasty (1501-1736), particularly under the rule of Shah Abbas, where there was a renaissance of arts across Persia centered around the cultural city. Over the centuries, many cultures have lived in Isfahan, and to this day, the cosmopolitan city is filled with intricate works of art, stunning mosques, bridges, palaces, and world-renowned architecture. Besides architecture and fine carpets, Isfahan is also known for its textiles, fine arts, steel, handicrafts, metalwork, and traditional food and sweets.

Isfahan rugs are of excellent quality, using soft cork wool (often with rope details or foundations) and a very tightly woven pile. The carpets woven in this city are perhaps the finest and most valuable in the world. The most popular design is a central medallion surrounded by vines or flowers that are usually red, blue, or indigo on an ivory background. Other popular design elements and motifs include vases, gardens, the Tree of Life design, Shah Abbas motifs and pictorial pieces. The inspiration for the design of the carpets comes from traditional motifs and patterns, nature, poetry and the great poets, but also from the city's rich architectural history. The famous Mosque of Shah Lutf Allah is a particular muse for many of the carpets created in this great city.

The knots per square inch in carpets woven in Isfahan can range from 120 and upwards, but would generally be over 200 if woven in the city itself rather than in a surrounding town or village. Many high-quality Isfahan carpets are based on rope foundations, which is why they are extremely fine and valuable. Sizes vary but most are medium to large. Famous weavers include the Seirafian family and workshops. Some of the most expensive carpets in the world come from Isfahan. Many of them were woven before the Afghan invasion and date from the 17th century or earlier.