Large Signed Persian Isfahan Silk Rug. Writing on one end is bookended by a basic Iranian flag and translates to "Isfahan, Emadzadeh," indicating the city of origin/style and the artisan's name. Label on back from the Shiraz Rug Gallery. 

Size: 93 x 58 in. 

The Iranian city of Isfahan has long been one of the key centers for production of Persian rugs, renowned for their high quality. Isfahan rugs are knotted on either silk or cotton foundations, with an extremely high knot count using exceptionally good quality kork wool for the pile, which is normally clipped quite low. Originally the rugs used traditional motifs inspired by the architectural motifs and tiles that decorated the historical buildings of the city, but over time designers were further inspired by the poets of Persia (Rumi, Hafez, Attar), nature, and religious or spiritual scenes. A range of traditional designs are still used including allover Shah Abbas, Vase, Tree of Life, and Pictorial schemes, as well as a circular central medallion set against a field decorated with intricately purling vine palmette and flor motifs. Antique Istafahan rugs are highly sought after by collectors, particularly since the area ceased production for almost two hundred years following the Afghan Invasion of 1722. Some Isfahani rugs became known in Western Europe as “Polish rugs” or “Polonaise rugs” because the trade route ran through Poland during the 16th through 18th Century, and many of the Polish and Lithuanian nobles commissioned rugs decorated with their coat of arms. Since the beginning of the 20th Century the industry has been revitalized, and their diverse usage of patterns differentiates them from the more precise works made by specific tribal groups.

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