c1900s Antique Medallion Persian Isfahan Rug 4.8x8.8

ISFAHAN township is located 424 km south of Tehran. It is the capital city of the province and is situated between two mountain ranges. In the west, a mountainous area runs to Chahar Mahal Province and in the east lie the Ghahrood and Karkas mountains. The plains area is formed by alluvia of mountainous streams and the Zayandeh-Rood river. Isfahan enjoys a mild, temperate climate with distinct seasons. Flowing through Isfahan city is the Zayandeh Rood. During the Arsacid (Parthian) Dynasty around the 17th century, Isfahan was the capital city of a wide province that was administered by Arsacid governors. During the Sassanid Dynasty, Isfahan was the residence of and governed by "Espoohrans" or the members of seven noble Iranian families who had major and important royal positions.Moreover, in this period, Isfahan was a military center with strong fortifications. This city was occupied by Arabs after the final defeat of the Iranians. After the Islamic period, Isfahan, like other cities of Iran, was under the domination of Arabs till the early 4th century AH (10th century CE), and received little attention, with the exception of the interest of Caliph Mansour. Though the town of Isfahan was founded much earlier on, the rug industry was not popular until the 16th century. This allowed plenty of time in order to create a marvelous rug. These
Isfhan rugs and carpets are very symmetrical and balanced and usually have a single medallion surrounded with whorls (vines) and palmettos. The patterns will include pictorial and tree-of-life schemes, as well as the Shah Abbas field with its floral vines. Isfahan rugs and carpets are usually of excellent quality. The most famous master weaver in Isfahan is Seirafian. There are many imitator Seirafian signed rugs and carpets. Older, Isfahan rugs and carpets usually have ivory backgrounds with bold blues and reds. Newer pieces have more subtle tones of blue and rose with indigo motifs. The warp of the foundation is mostly silk and weft is either cotton, wool, or silk. Now, the majority of master workshop Isfahan rugs have a silk warp, however, you can find a cotton warp in older Isfahan rugs. Weavers in Isfahan use Persian knots.

These carpets are of great delicacy and utmost intricacy causing them to become rarities and great collector's items.