Isfahan

The master workshop rugs and carpets of Isfahan have been recognised since the 16th Century as representing the highest ideals of knotting art and craftsmanship, and have in consequence invariably been held in the highest possible esteem among the cognoscenti of Eastern weaving accomplishment. The already acknowledged prestige of authentic Isfahan work was increased still further by the virtually unequalled quality of the silk-based art rugs created in the leading private workshops of the city during the period Persia was ruled over by the two Shahs of the Pahlavi dynasty, Shah Reza Pahlavi and his son Mohammed Reza Shah Pahlavi, both of whom encouraged and patronised the weavers of Isfahan to set the standards by which all other handknotted rugs might be measured. The tradition thus engendered is brilliantly exemplified in this magnificent specimen of the classification. Against a lovely background colour which sets the tonal keynote of the work’s overall impression, a superbly intricate and precisely articulated medallion lozenge centres a field arrangement of gem-like floral, foliate and stylised ornaments which are drawn from the regal 17th Century classical repertoire of Persian Safavid design, each motif expressed with an astonishing depth of inner detail and the clarity and definition which is both an identifying hallmark of the most elevated Isfahan style and one of its most impressive and alluring attributes. The range of subtly differentiated shades of colour and the striking contrasts and gentle harmonies which are produced through their various conjunctions provide among the most rewarding achievements encompassed within the multi-faceted decorative effects of the work, the scope and unified integration of which are virtually without rival within Oriental carpet knotting culture. In the border, both the ornaments and the graceful compositional schemes in which they are arranged are compressed still further, without any loss of detail or tonal limitations. Such virtuosity of master craftsmanship is greatly dependant upon the ultimate quality of knotting allowed by the velvet-like density of the kurk wool pile and the gossamer-fine pure silk warp threads upon which the knots are tied. A showcase example of the Isfahan style at its most rarefied and incomparable level, worthy of inclusion in a connoisseur category collection of the highest international stature.