Antique Isfahan Rugs from the 17th Century – Mid-20th Century
Antique Isfahan Rugs (or Esfahans Rugs) , claim a very proud tradition among Persian rugs going back to Safavid times in the seventeenth century. Isfahan was then the capital of Persia and many of the court quality carpets of this period that survive today have been attributed to Isfahan. Antique Persian Isfahan Rug designs consist of sublimely delicate patterns of arabesque tendrils, palmettes, and cloud-bands in rich magentas, blues, and saffron golds. 19th century rugs and early twentieth century carpets from Isfahan continued the style and consummate technical virtuosity of their classical forerunners, although often with a softer, more decorative palette.
After Isfahan’s success in the garment industry, they expanded their knack for producing fine textiles by weaving some of the greatest rugs ever made in Persia. The city has long been a breeding ground for master weavers. The most famous of these is Sadegh Seirafian who spawned an Isfahan rug weaving dynasty that continues today. Antique Isfahan rugs feature enrapturing designs and luxurious materials that were also used to manufacture garments. Many of the finer carpets from the workshops of master weavers used silk wefts. However, the city’s earliest Isfahan rugs used fine hand-spun cotton.
The weavers and artists in Isfahan gathered inspiration from Persia’s best achievements. They borrowed dramatic spiraling vine-scrolls with deeply re-curved tendrils from the city’s famous buildings. They also featured archetypal Persian designs that were inspired by the art and architecture of Shah Abbas, who ruled the Safavid Empire at its height. Antique Persian rugs from Isfahan incorporate flamboyant architectural medallions and unparalleled arabesques, but the city has another side too. Isfahan rugs and illustrate scenes from Persia’s outstanding literary works. The rugs of Isfahan are exceptionally attractive, captivating and classically Persian. These traits have made antique Isfahan rugs sought after by designers and collectors seeking Persia’s most iconic and archetypal rugs.
History of Antique Persian Isfahan Rugs
Isfahan Rugs – Isfahan is one of the great weaving centers of antique rugs in Iran. Historically, the city is often described as the most elegant and beautiful cultural capital in Iran. It is often compared to St. Petersburg in Russia.
During the 17th century, this capital was recognized as the pinnacle of Persian Art, producing amazing Persian rugs, especially during the royal Safavid patronage when the arts truly flourished. The classical Isfahan Rugs and Carpets were produced by the court of Shah Abbas (1587-1629).
Sadly, this rich artistic period came to an end at the close of the 17th Century. This era (the 17th century) was responsible for producing the silk Polonaise carpets – a unique antique rug style all its own.
17th Century Persian Esfahan Rug
These carpets were enriched with strands of gold and silver. Similarly, some of the red ground floral carpets (called Indo Persian) incorporated the same materials and techniques.
Among the many designs, the most representative of the Isafahan style is the shams design – a medallion with sixteen lobes surrounded by arabesques. Recently, the 17th Century pieces, especially the better examples, have seen exploding with interest.
They have also been shattering all auction records to the point where one such example sold for 34,000,000 in a recent Sotheby’s sale in New York City (you can read about that sale and even watch the live bidding by clicking here: Most expensive antique rug ever sold).
This recent spike is not a fad. Every single year, the 17th century rugs become event scarcer and as the years go by and less of them are available the prices are bound to continue escalating.
Antique Isfahan Rugs – Though there is a tremendous variety of Persian rug styles, ranging from the more tribal to the more classically composed, there are few — if any — as beautiful and as remarkable as the antique Isfahan rug style.
The Persian city of Isfahan itself is one of the great historical weaving centers of Persia (coterminous with modern day Iran), and is often described as being the most elegant and beautiful city in the entire country. Indeed, Isfahan has often been compared to the gorgeous city of St. Petersburg, the cultural capital of Russia and home to the Hermitage Museum among many others.
During the 17th century, Isfahan was widely recognized as the epicenter of the Persian art world, which was undergoing a tremendous growing period during this time. Under royal Safavid patronage, the arts in Persia evolved, matured, and were refined.
Antique Gallery Size 17th Century Isfahan Persian Rug 3338
The classical Isfahan rugs that were produced at this time were generally woven in the court of the legendary Shah Abbas (1587-1629). Among the many designs that they might feature, the most representative of the antique Isafahan rug style is a shams a medallion with sixteen lobes surrounded by arabesques – a classic design that was especially in vogue when Isfahan production was at its most prolific.
So wide-reaching and impacting was the Persian artistic golden age of the seventeenth century that some of the finest works and artistic styles to have ever emerged from that country were created at this time.
This era was responsible for the production of the now-famous and widely admired silk Polonaise carpets, gorgeous compositions enriched with strands of gold and silver. Also to emerge during this time: the beautiful red-ground, floral antique rugs that are referred to today as Indo-Persian rugs.
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!
