Isfahan rugs: fine knots, silk foundations and famous workshops

What is an Isfahan rug?

An Isfahan rug is a hand-knotted carpet from Isfahan in central Iran. The city was the Safavid capital and a centre of court weaving. Modern Isfahan weaving revived in the 1920s and is known for very fine knotting.

Features

• Asymmetrical (Persian) knot
• Silk or cotton foundation; silk warps are common in fine pieces
• Kork (fine wool) pile, often with silk outlining
• Central medallion with arabesques and palmettes
• Ivory, navy, rose and turquoise palettes

Famous workshops

Names such as Seirafian, Haghighi and Davari are associated with 20th-century Isfahan weaving. Signatures appear woven into the border. A signature is not proof by itself; forged signatures exist.

Buying tips

Check the foundation (fringe), knot clarity on the back and wool quality. Ask for provenance on signed pieces.