Overview

Materials & Craftsmanship:

This diligently hand-knotted area rug is made of 100% pure silk. Rugs with exclusively pure silk piles are regarded as being among the most valuable of all hand-knotted rugs. This rug is intricately crafted: the strong silk fibers utilized in its production permitted its skilled weavers to weave more knots per square inch (KPSI) than wool carpets contain. A typical Persian or Oriental rug made of wool has between 100 and 300 KPSI - a typical 100% silk rug has between 300 to 600 KPSI. As a result, weaving the rug requires 3 to 4 times the amount of work. More time is spent weaving a silk carpet than a wool carpet of a similar size. This is one of the main reasons a silk rug costs at least double the price of a wool rug. Silk pile delivers more clarity in the design patterns and adds sheen and depth. A silk rug is a great option for adding a look and feel of luxury to any space. With proper maintenance tailored to its needs, this rug can last over 50 years.

Silk pile rugs of this caliber are usually placed in formal rooms that undergo less foot traffic or in bedrooms. Regarded as intricate masterpieces of art, it is not uncommon to see silk carpets displayed on walls. Although quality silk rugs are robust pieces, cleaning should only be carried out by professionals due to their fine-grained materials.

A Brief History of Isfahan Rugs

Isfahan (also known as Esfahan, Isfahan, Isphahan and Sepahan) has long been one of the centers for production of the famous Persian Rug. Weaving in Hispahan flourished in the Safavid era. But when the Afghans invaded Iran, ending the Safavid dynasty, the craft also became stagnant.

Not until 1920s, between two world wars, was weaving again taken seriously by the people of Isfahan. They started to weave Safavid designs and once again became one of the most important nexus' of the Iranian rug weaving industry. Isfahani carpets today are among the most wanted in world markets, having many customers in western countries.

Isfahani rugs and carpets usually have ivory backgrounds with blue, rose, and indigo motifs. Rugs and carpets often have very symmetrical and balanced designs. They usually have a single medallion that is surrounded with vines and palmettos and are of excellent quality.

These carpets are often made up of pure silk. A combination of silk and wool is also sometimes found. These materials make up the pile of the rugs, while cotton is usually used to hand knot a strong and durable foundation. In finer Hispahans, silk is used as a base.

Sources and inspiration: Bérinstain, Valérie, et al. L'art du tapis dans le monde (The art of carpets in the world). Paris: Mengès, 1996. Print.; Jerrehian Jr., Aram K.A. Oriental Rug Primer. Philadelphia: Running Press, 1980. Print.; Herbert, Janice Summers. Oriental Rugs, New York: Macmillan, 1982. Print.; Hackmack, Adolf. Chinese Carpets and Rugs, Rutland and Tokyo: Tuttle, 1980. Print. ; De Moubray, Amicia, and David Black. Carpets for the home, London: Laurence King Publishing, 1999. Print.; Jacobsen, Charles. Oriental Rugs A Complete Guide, Rutland and Tokyo: Tuttle, 1962. Print.; Bashir, S. (n.d.). Personal interview.; Web site sources and dates of consultation vary (to be confirmed). Without prejudice to official usage.