Antique carpets in Isfahan from the 17th century to the mid-20th century Old Isfahani carpets (or Isfahani carpets) refer to a very proud tradition of Iranian carpets dating back to the Safavid era in the 17th century. Isfahan was the capital of Iran then, and many of the high-quality court carpets of this period that survive today belong to Isfahan. Ancient Iranian carpet designs in Isfahan include delicate motifs of Arabian flowers, palm trees, and cloud stripes in purple, blue, and saffron gold.
The Isfahani carpets of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries mostly preserved the style and craftsmanship of their traditional predecessors, although they often used softer and more decorative colors.
When Isfahan became successful in the clothing industry, it honed its skills to create fine textiles by weaving the finest Iranian carpets. The city has long been the birthplace of master weavers. The most famous of them is Sadiq Sirafian, who founded the Isfahani family of carpet weavers, which continues today.
The ancient carpets of Isfahan have interesting patterns, and interesting materials were used to make the garments. Many of the finest carpets from master weaving workshops use silk. But fine cotton was used in the ancient carpets of the city of Isfahan.
History of Antique Persian Isfahan Rugs
Isfahan Carpets - Isfahan is one of the largest carpet-weaving centers in Iran. Historically, the city has often been described as the best cultural capital of Iran.
During the 17th century, the capital was recognized as the pinnacle of Persian art, producing impressive Persian carpets, especially during the reign of the Safavid kings, when the art flourished. Classical rugs and carpets were produced in Isfahan in the palace of Shah Abbas (1587-1629).
Unfortunately, this rich artistic period ended at the end of the 17th century. This period (17th century) was responsible for the production of silk Polonaise rugs, a distinctive style of antique rugs.
This carpet is enriched with gold and silver threads. Likewise, some moss-dyed red floral carpets (called Indo-Persian) use similar materials and techniques.
Among the many designs, the most representative of the Isfahan style is the candle display - a medallion of sixteen lobes surrounded by Arabesques. Recently, there has been an explosion of interest in 17th-century pieces, especially fine examples.
They also broke auction records of all time with one example selling for $34,000,000 at a recent Sotheby's sale in New York (You can read about the sale and watch the auction by clicking here: Most Expensive Antiques ).
Seirafian carpet
As (Director) Karim Seirafian, the son of late Professor Sadegh Seirafian, said, our aspiration is always to be "the best for the best". It means presenting unique and artistic carpets to the world. The carpets are produced with natural dyes or fast vegetables and the best materials and completely authentic Iranian designs, also preserving this precious heritage after his father died in 2004.
Special features of Sirafian rugs and carpet
- All rugs and carpets woven in the Seirafian carpet workshops have a specific plaque under the carpet which includes the Seirafian name and the flag of Iran.
- Seirafian rugs have a high knot density, typically over 400 knots per square inch.
- Seirafian rugs use the finest wool and silk fibers as the base
- These rugs and carpets have thin cotton threads or silk threads and warp threads.
- Seirafianic carpet designs are mostly Isfahan style. Including Eslimi spiral branches and Shah Abbasi flowers, as well as patterns inspired by nature.
- Famous artworks and tapestries of the Seyraf family
Bani Adam Carpet in United Nations
This wonderful carpet was woven by the Mohammad Seirafian Carpet Workshops and was donated to the United Nations in 2015 to honor the "Dialogue among Civilizations" that began in 2001. Mohammad Seirafian designed this rug inspired by Persian architectural designs and patterns. This unique Persian rug measures 207 x 191 inches with high density (approximately 200 knots per square centimeter). The famous Persian poet Saadi (1210-1292) has a great poem written on the carpet. The translation of the poem chosen by the artist for the carpet painting reads: "All men are members of one law, for all are of the same essence. Members cannot rest, if you do not feel the pain of others, you are not human.
The Niavaran Palace Music Room Rug
The Ahmad Seirafian Carpet Workshop in Isfahan made this small carpet for Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the great king of Iran at the time. Measuring 40 x 60 inches, the Isfahan carpet pattern is beautiful made possible by the high knot density. The shah ordered many carpets and rugs for the Seirafian family to live in the various palaces. This rug is dedicated to the Niavaran Palace, the royal palace in Tehran, the capital of Iran. It is currently stored in the music room of this palace.
The Pictorial Rug of Royal Jubilee in Safavid Court
This unique carpet was woven by the Sadegh Seirafian Carpet Workshop in a rare design to commemorate one of the most influential Iranian monarchs in history. It is rare to find Iranian rugs with painted designs as these designs require delicate weaving techniques and high-quality materials. Only the Seirafian family could create such a beautiful design to show the historical culture. This carpet represents a traditional ceremony commemorating the reign of Shah Abbas Safavid. You see the king in the middle of the carpet surrounded by traditional Persian clothes, dancing women, and musicians playing musical instruments under the carpet.
The Royal Wedding of Denmark Carpet
The Seirafian family participated in one of the most beautiful and beautiful moments in the world with one of his wonderful carpets. The Danish royal family for the wedding of the crown prince in 2004.
Commissioned a magnificent Isfahani carpet with an Arabic design by the Seirafianfamily. This carpet of beautiful colors was placed on the balcony of Amalienborg Palace to decorate their wedding.
Heaven Gate Silk Rug
This unique silk carpet was woven from high-quality fibers in Mohammad Seirafian 's carpet workshop. The design of this Isfahan silk rug is a combination of Iranian architecture and decorative elements of nature and represents the concept of paradise and its beauty. The portal shows an amazing image of a beautiful garden in photos. This Iranian-style hand-woven rug has a wool pile and a silk core with an incredible density of 900 kg, and its bright colors are made from natural dyes. The main source of inspiration for this carpet design was the Ali Kapu Palace in Isfahan. This palace has amazing architecture and a special acoustic chamber for music, the walls of which are carved in the shape of Iranian vessels and pottery. Moghran, which is a unique ceiling decoration in Iranian architecture, is also used as this carpet.
The Eleven Sceneries Rug
This is one of the Seirafian carpets with the wonderful design of the great artist "Hajj Misr Al-Malki" in three-dimensional shape and hundreds of colorful colors. The main styles include landscapes, beautiful skies, rivers, and nearby trees. This border also includes 10 scenes, each depicting the beautiful Iranian architectural heritage of Isfahan. This unique design incorporates different elements, including 10 views of Isfahan's nature on the border instead of 10 views of its architectural heritage.
Ahmed Seirafian's carpet workshop wove these carpets in 11 stages stuck near the production took almost eight years.
Artists and experts say that the Seirafian family's mission was (and still is) to preserve ancient Iranian art. This family revived the art of Safavi, who was creative in designing carpets in his hometown of Isfahan. The hunting carpet is not a special carpet, but rather a special carving that the Seirafian family has made for years to represent one of the ancient Iranian cultures among the kings. This magnificent model is a combination of human figures on horses hunting wild animals, beautiful spiral branches of Selim, and flowers of Shah Abbas. The decoration and color harmony of the hunting carpets of the Seirafian is influenced by the decorations of the Safavid carpets.