Isfahan — The Safavid Court Tradition

Isfahan (also written Esfahan) became the Safavid capital in 1598 under Shah Abbas I, and its weaving was court work from the start: architectural symmetry, dense floral arabesque and a level of detail that only very fine knotting allows. After the Afghan invasion of 1722 production almost ceased; the pieces found today come from the revival that began in the 1920s and 1930s, when the city's workshops re-established the standard by which Isfahan is still measured. This semi-antique piece belongs to that tradition. More examples can be found in our Isfahan rug collection.

Design and Colour

The composition follows the classical Isfahan scheme. At the centre sits a rust-red, star-shaped medallion with a pale blue and ivory rosette at its heart, extended above and below by rust-red pendant palmettes. Around it, scrolling vines carry Shah Abbasi palmettes, lancet leaves and small blossoms in navy, rust, light blue and brown across an ivory field. Navy-blue spandrels close the corners. The main border, on a camel ground, repeats large palmettes between curling leaves and turns the corners with cartouche-like motifs; several narrow guard stripes in rust and lavender-blue frame the whole.

Material and Construction

The pile is fine kurk wool — the soft wool from the neck and shoulders of the lamb — knotted on a foundation of pure silk in warp and weft. A silk foundation is finer and stronger than cotton, so more knots fit into the same width: the density here lies at approx. 800,000–1,000,000 knots per m² (approx. 520–650 kpsi), and the rug itself lies thin and supple. Taken as a whole, the piece is 70 % wool and 30 % silk.

Presence in the Room

At 6.8 × 10.4 ft (208 × 318 cm, 71 sq ft / 6.6 m²) this is a room-size piece in the classic 7 × 10 ft format. Three settings in which it comes into its own:

• Living room: beneath a seating group the medallion anchors the room, while the ivory field keeps it light.
• Bedroom or study: the calm ground and fine drawing suit quieter rooms with lighter foot traffic.
• Dining room: thin and supple on its silk foundation, the rug lies flat, so chairs move easily over it — best suited to a slimmer dining table.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “semi-antique” mean?
In the rug trade, “antique” usually means roughly 100 years or older, while “semi-antique” describes pieces of around 40 to 70 years — old enough to show the soft patina of age, while remaining a fully usable floor rug. More pieces of this age can be found in our vintage rug collection.

Why does a silk foundation matter?
Silk warps are thinner and stronger than cotton. They allow the tight knotting needed for Isfahan's fine drawing and keep the rug thin and flexible. On a silk foundation the fringes are the ends of the warp — part of the structure, not decoration.

How do I care for a fine Isfahan?
Vacuum gently in the direction of the pile with the beater bar switched off, and keep the nozzle away from the fringes. Turn the rug once a year. Blot spills immediately with cold water and a light cotton cloth, never rub. We recommend an underlay. Washing should only ever be done by hand, by specialists — see our professional rug cleaning service.

1stDibs Recognised Dealer · Spencer (2021)

Djoharian has held the Recognised Dealer badge on 1stDibs since 2013, with a verified 5.0/5 rating. Our rugs have appeared in international productions, including Spencer (2021) with Kristen Stewart.

Djoharian — Since 1967

Founded in 1967, with roots in the Grand Carpet Bazaar of Tehran and more than five decades of experience in the international rug trade. For new production, Djoharian is a Label STEP Fair Trade Partner.

Service and Delivery

Every piece is expertly inspected in our atelier in Lohr am Main before dispatch. Secure and fast worldwide shipping, fully insured, and personal consultation in our showroom or by video call.