08/08/2012
These carpets originate from the city of the same name and surrounding countryside. Isfahan – or Esfahan – was the capital of Persia under Shah Abbas the Great (1587 – 1629). Set on a flat, fertile land in the centre of Iran, Isfahan, with a population of around 2 million, is one of the most beautiful cities in the Middle East. Among its famous sights are the Shah Mosque, considered the finest of its kind in the world, and the Luffullah Mosque. Isfahan is also the trading centre for the surrounding area.
Here the carpets are woven on vertical looms. The weave is usually exceptionally dense, with between 2500 and 6000 Senneh knots per square decimetre; fine silk carpets can have as many as 14,000 Very luxurious pieces of silk warp and weft, otherwise the foundation of the carpets is cotton. The short pile is woollen, wool and silk, or entirely silk.
Isfahan are believed to have been the first carpets to reach Europe in large number. Their harmonious, classic design follows in the ancient Persian miniature tradition. In most cases, they feature a central medallion set in a richly decorated field, often with quarter medallions in four corners echoing the design of the one in the centre Isfahan are often pictorial carpets, depicting animals and planet. Another typical Isfahan motif is the vase or Shah Abbas motif. Set on one side of the field is a vase containing tendrils and spring which spread to cover the entire field. The field often contains a prayer niche, with two corner pieces on the side opposite the vase.
Isfahan are among the finest Persian carpets, comparable with those from Nain, Kashan, Tehran and the best Tabrizes. Individual example of exceptional craftsmanship and beauty bear the signature of the weave. Superior old and antique Isfahan is also a sound capital investment.
