Serafian Isfahan Rugs
Examples:
Silk & Wool Isfahan Carpet
Size: 3 foot 6 inch by 5 foot 2 inch.
This is a Persian workshop rug in the style of Serafian. This rug is fine but has the typical Isphahan back. Comparing it with published examples of Serafian Isphahans this certainly looks like those pieces attributed to the second generation Serafian workshop but may come from one of the extremely skillful lesser known workshops.
The design is accentuated by an overlay of spiral tendrils with arabesque leaves. The focal point of this piece is the extremely graceful and balanced Islimis.
Isphahan, Persia. The latter part of the Pahlavid dynasty.
Structure: Asymmetrical knot open to the left. 24 knots per horizontal inch and 24 knots per vertical inch. 576 per square inch (8928 per square decimeter)
Warp: Silk
Weft: Silk
Pile: 2 wool singles.
Ends: 1/4 inch silk plain weave with warp fringe.
Selvages: 2 cord overcastting red wool.
Handle: thin fine medium handle.
Further Notes: Excellent as new
Silk & Wool Isfahan Carpet
Serafian Isphahan Carpet. Isphahan, Persia. The latter part of the Pahlavid dynasty.
Size: 3 foot 6 inch by 5 foot 4 inch.
Structure: Asymmetrical knot open to the left. 24 knots per horizontal inch and 24 knots per vertical inch. 576 per square inch (8928 per square decimeter)
Yarn Spin: Z.
Warp: Silk
Weft: Silk
Pile: 2 wool singles.
Ends: Warp fringe.
Selvages: 2 cord overcastting blue wool.
Handle: thin fine medium handle.
Further Notes: Excellent as new
The Cloudband Serafian
Size: 3 foot 7 inch by 5 foot 10 inch.
Note the cloudband in the lower center of the scan to the left. This is one of the most perfect Cloudbands in a twentieth century carpet. It is a traditional touch such as this that makes Isfahan so special. This is the focal point of the whole rug.
This rug is in the style called Serafian after the great workshop that made this style. This one shows the ease and style and grace of the very best. This includes the near perfect Cloudband and the simple details, such as the two white flowers bracketing the main border central floral form. The master has turned the flowers so that they bracketed the central floral form. Rather than a flaw this is actuality the sign of outstanding sophistication. The sign of a true master turning the expected into the exceptional.
Isfahan, Persia. Mid twentieth century
Structure: Asymmetrical open to the left. 21 knots per horizontal inch and 20 knots per vertical inch. 420 per square inch (6510 per square decimeter)
Yarn Spin: Z.
Warp: 3 ply white silk.
Weft: 2 shots blue, white silk.
Pile: 2 wool, silk singles.
Ends: Overhand knots with 3 inch looped warp fringe.
Selvages: 1 cord overcastting red wool.
Handle: Light-medium, soft, durable.
Further Notes: Excellent as new
