Isfahan
Origins
Isfahan Persian rugs originate from the city of Isfahan in central Iran (formerly Persia). The city has a rich history of rug weaving dating back centuries, and its rugs are esteemed for their exceptional craftsmanship and intricate designs.
Design Characteristics
Intricate floral motifs
Arabesques and curvilinear patterns
Central medallions and balanced compositions
Color palettes commonly include:
Deep blues
Crimson reds
Ivory and gold tones
Soft greens
Each design is meticulously executed with fine detail and precision.
Construction & Materials
Handcrafted using fine wool, silk, and cotton
Silk highlights are used to enhance detail and luminosity
Hand-knotted using the Persian knot technique
Dense pile ensures durability and longevity
Size & Shape
Isfahan rugs are produced in a wide range of formats:
Small accent rugs
Large room-sized carpets
Rectangular, square, and round shapes
Quality & Collectability
Among the finest Persian rugs produced
Highly prized by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide
Considered valuable investment pieces due to enduring demand
Cultural Significance
Isfahan rugs embody Iran’s artistic heritage, representing centuries of knowledge passed through generations. Their designs reflect Persian history, literature, and aesthetics.
Evolution
While traditional motifs remain dominant, modern Isfahan rugs occasionally
incorporate:
Contemporary color interpretations
Refined adaptations of classical patterns
HISTORY
Isfahan, the capital of the Persian Empire during the Safavid rule, was the most prominent weaving center of its time. The Safavid rulers were among history’s greatest patrons of the arts, creating an environment where craftsmanship flourished.
Royal Patronage
Shah Tahmasp I (1524–1576)
Shah Abbas I (1588–1629)
Their support elevated Persian carpet weaving to its highest artistic level.
Today, fewer than 1,500 Safavid carpets are known to exist. Many reside in major museums across the world.
The Baron Adolphe Carl von Rothschild “Polonaise” Carpet
Property of a German nobleman – sold at Christie’s
Woven with brocaded gold and silver
Subtle palette of powder blue, indigo, sage-green, peach, and pale yellow
Silver and gold tones achieved by wrapping silver-gilt threads around silk
The Pommersfelden “Polonaise” Carpet
Sold at Christie’s
POLONAISE CARPET ONCE OWNED BY CARL VON ROTHSCHILD
SECOND REVIVAL – LIKE IT HAS NEVER BEEN TOLD BEFORE
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Persian carpet production underwent a dramatic revival. As Iran prepared to reassert its artistic excellence, Isfahan once again emerged as the heart of elite carpet weaving.
MIRZA AGHA EMAMI
Among all modern Isfahan artists, Mirza Agha Emami stands unrivaled. Despite limited recognition, his influence shaped an entire generation of designers.
Legacy
Teacher of leading artists such as Ahmed Archang
Master of extraordinary detail and composition
Designs remain unmatched in complexity
A gorgeous Isfahan carpet drawn by Emami and woven in the Shureshi workshop.
ABDUL MUTALIB ISFAHANI
AbdolMataleb Khan was a foundational figure in 19th-century Persian carpet weaving, working alongside his brother Master AbdolSamad Khan.
Family Legacy
Six sons, including:
Abdul Rahim Khan
Abdul Ghaffar Khan
Abdul Karim Khan
Abdul Razagh Khan
Abdul Khaleq Khan
Collectively known as:
“Rebel Family”
“Shoreeshi”
Their innovations reshaped Persian carpet design and influenced future masters such as Haj Mehdi Safdarzadeh Haghighi.
A beautiful antique Isfahan commissioned by Abdul Mutalib.
MASTER ABDUL SAMAD ISFAHANI
Born in 1840, Master Abdolsamad was a founding figure in modern Isfahan rug production.
Key Contributions
Reverse-engineered Persian saddlebag textiles
Established a lasting family weaving tradition
Only three signed carpets known today
One of his works is preserved at the Tehran Museum.
Additional Legacy
His daughter produced carpets known as Madar Vatan (Motherland)
Trained future masters including Haj Mehdi Safdarzadeh Haghighi
ABDUL RAHIM SHURESHI – THE MOST PROMINENT OF ABDUL MUTALIB’S SONS
Born in 1869, Abdul Rahim Shureshi revived Isfahan carpet weaving to unprecedented heights.
Recognition
Personally admired by the Shah of Iran
“Shureshi” became synonymous with best-of-type Isfahan rugs
Continuation
His son Abbas Shureshi mastered traditional dyeing
Close collaboration with Haj Agha Reza Seirafian
Legacy continues through Vahid and Hamid Shureshi
Abdul Rahim Shooreshi standing with one of his production rugs.
HAJ AGHA REZA SEIRAFIAN
Haj Agha Reza Seirafian began weaving in 1939 after leaving banking.
Production Philosophy
Best-of-type carpets only
Finest designers and weavers
Exceptional natural dyes, wool, and silk
Family
Survived by seven sons
Most prominent: Haj Mohammad Seirafian
Haj Agha Reza Seirafian with his seven sons.
HAJ MOHAMMAD SEIRAFIAN
Grand Master Mohammad Seirafian is widely regarded as the greatest Persian carpet producer of the 20th century.
Masterpiece
Over 1,350 knots per square inch
Took a decade to complete
Donated to the United Nations
Legacy
Symbol of peace and unity
Displayed at UN Headquarters, New York
A masterpiece by Haj Mohammad Seirafian donated to the UN.
HAJ SADIQ SEIRAFIAN
The late Master Sadegh Seirafian (1922–2005) became a master producer shortly after high school.
Distinctions
Talented designer and sketch developer
Used a unique English inscription bearing his full name
Largest producer of his generation
Sadegh Seirafian masterpiece
AHMED SEIRAFIAN
Ahmed Seirafian maintained the highest Seirafian standards.
Characteristics
Extremely high knot densities
Silk foundations
Luminous highlights
Quality over volume
A beautiful scenery by Ahmed Seirafian
MOHAMMAD ALI SEIRAFIAN
Mohammad-Ali, the eldest brother, began weaving in the early 1940s.
Notable Traits
Fine knot densities
Exceptional precision
Limited production
A beautiful zoomorphic carpet by Mohammad Ali.
AKBAR MAHDAEI
Distinguished Isfahan Artist and Designer
Akbar Mahdaei was a major figure in Isfahan’s modern artistic landscape.
Contributions
Persian miniature painting
Carpet design
Bridged classical aesthetics with modern sensibilities
A beautiful depiction of Omar Al-Khayyam by Akbar Mahdaei.
AHMAD SHAHAPOUR (ACTIVE TODAY)
Ahmad Shahapour is a living legend among contemporary Isfahan carpet artists.
Key Details
Specialty: Limited editions with silk foundations
Knot Density: 800+ knots per square inch
Signature Series: Shahapoor Paradise
Materials: Silk and wool with natural dyes
Ahmed Shahapour carpet exemplary of his production
DR. HASSAN HEKMAT-NEJAD MAJNUNI & FAMILY
Dr. Hekmat-Nejad produced some of the highest knot-density carpets ever woven.
Distinctions
Exceeding one million knots per square meter
Commissioned by the Pahlavi government
Used as diplomatic gifts
An amazing Hekmat Nejad carpet.
MIRZA HASHEM KORD-AZAD (WORKSHOP)Distinctions
A key figure in preserving Shah-Abbasi traditions during the late 19th-century revival.
Workshop Focus
Traditional knotting
Natural dyes
Classical Safavid motifs
A Khord Azad carpet that is best of type
SARRAF MAMOURY
A prominent mid-20th-century Isfahan workshop.
Characteristics
High knot density
Symmetry and precision
Refined wool and silk usage
Astounding navy blue Sarraf Mamoury carpet
MAHMOUD AKBAROFF
Mahmoud Akbaroff operates a high-end Isfahan workshop dedicated to classical Persian carpets.
Hallmarks
Entirely hand-knotted
High knot density
Signed “Akbaroff Isfahan”
Limited production
DARDASHTI
Founded in 1921, the Dardashti workshop is a pillar of Isfahan carpet heritage.
Signature Traits
Silk warps
Natural dyes
Medallion and Shah-Abbasi motifs
Woven signature: “Isfahan 110 Dardashti”
An exquisite Dardashti carpet with boteh design