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Iran and Ispahan rugs

Iranis the official name for Persia, and when a rug is called by this name, the meaning is simply that it is a Persian rug.

Ispahan rugs are antiques. During the sixteenth century and the reign of the great Shah Abbas, and even earlier, these magnificent fabrics were woven. Superb in coloring, with beautiful designs and of supe­rior workmanship, the examples still in existence are indeed precious. In these old rugs one finds a field of red that is rich and rare. It looks like carmine, and then again it seems as if one were looking into a goblet containing the choicest wine of past centuries.

Once seen, the shade is not forgotten. So also with the won­derful moss-like green that occupies the main border and the running vines of the Ispahan rug. Black—the most corrosive of all dyes — although used, has disap­peared, leaving only the foundation. A medallion, star-form in effect, often occupies the centre. Over the field are scattered palmettes and lotus forms, all connected by running vines.

A wide middle border between two narrow "Stripes holds the rosette and palmette, and also the lancet leaf, in tiny form. When cloud bands are seen they show Chinese influence, as do the lotus forms.