Local Geography and History - Isfahan Carpets and Rugs

Dating back to the 16^th century, the Isfahan’s history and reputation for hand made rugs and carpets exceeds many of the other cities in Iran.  Isfahan is widely known for the delicacy and intricacy of the patterns and designs hand knotted into the pile of the rugs.  The enchanted city Isfahan is among the best producers of oriental rugs and carpets ever made, proving that they are more than just a floor covering.

As well as Isfahan, there are a number of small settlements that surround this main city; also known widely for their production of hand made rugs and runners.  Some of the small cities in the area are Josheghan, Maymeh and Najafabad.  These three cities, as well as others, produce designs and styles of Isfahan; creating the quality and beauty they are known for.

Being pioneers in the area of Isfahan in the sixteenth century, the designs and patterns displayed on the Persian rugs and runners have been greatly influenced by their surroundings.  This is where the vine and garden scenes originated from, as well as the tree-of-life and pictorial displays.

These well-known oriental rugs and carpets from Isfahan are hand made with expert carpet weavers.  Weavers have been known to work for years on a single carpet, continuing non-stop until it is completed.  All of their work pays off in the end, with beautiful and elegant tribal rugs that have been known to last hundreds of years.

The materials used in Isfahan carpets and rugs show quality and craftsmanship.  The most common materials are a cotton foundation with a wool or silk pile, sometimes combining the silk and wool for a unique texture and quality.  In the Persian rugs and carpets that show the finest work, pure silk is often used as a foundation.  This makes some of the floor coverings completely silk.