Rugs of Persia: Esfahan

Detail of Esfahan Rug (wikipedia)

Esfahan is the third largest city in Iran. Like many cities in the region it was settled several millenia ago and has been conquered, freed and reconquered by the Mongol's, Persians, Arabs and more. In the16th century it became one of the largest cities in the world with an estimated 500,000 residents, 163 mosques, 48 religious schools, 1801 shops and 263 public baths. Today it is the site of several nuclear reactors for Iran's contentious nuclear program. It is still a center of rug making today as it was centuries ago.

Weaving in Esfahan began during the Safavid Dynasty which began in 1501. After the Afghan invasion of Iran, the weaving tradition of Esfahan lay dormant until the 1920s.

Esfahan rugs generally have ivory backgrounds with indigo, rose and blue motifs and designs. Their designs are generally very symmetrical and balanced. There is usually a central medallion that is then surrounded by vines and palmettos. Perhaps the most popular composition of these rugs is a central medallion that is based on a famous mosque of Shah Lutf Allah located in Esfahan. This medallion is set against a field of intricately woven vine palmette and floral motifs.

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