A lovely vine and flower design from the Iranian city of the same name.

A former Persian capital and one of the most famous cities in the production of Persian rugs. Isphahan is located in western Iran and was the capital city during the golden age of Persian carpet production in the 16th and 17th centuries while the Safavid dynasty was in power.After a decline in culture and prosperity from the early 18th century, Isphahan began regaining its status in the 1920's when fine rugs based on classical Persian themes began being woven once again. Many rugs from the postwar period are very finely woven with knot densities up to 750 per square inch and frequently the use of silk is added. Popular designs include intricate floral medallions or animal pictorial rugs.

city in central Iran; former capital of Persia

A central city in the artistic renaissance that began under Shah Abbas the Great of the Safavid dynasty. Isfahan carpets are notable for the extraordinary intricacy of their design and the opulence of their color palettes. An elaborate center medallion is generally surrounded by successive tiers of ornamentation, framed by a highly decorative border.

Town in central Iran. Famous for its rugs.

isfuh hän] Safavid capital under Abbas the Great; planned city laid out according to shah's plan; example of Safavid architecture. (p. 624)

Classically decadent central Persian city.

Isfahan or Eşfahān (historically also rendered as Ispahan, Old Persian Aspadana, Middle Persian Spahān, Eṣfahān), located about 340 km south of Tehran, is the capital of Isfahan Province and Iran's third largest city (after Tehran and Mashhad).