Persia (now Iran) is one of the most important countries for carpet making. The golden age of carpet weaving started in the 16th century under the Safavid dynasty (1501–1732), but Persian carpet production continues today on a vast commercial scale.
The earliest carpets are late 15th-century, from the city of Tabriz. These have a large medallion, often shaped as a lotus flower, with stylized cloudbands (derived from Chinese art) and arabeques. Some, called Hunting carpets, show animals in combat. Variations on these themes appear in later 19th- and 20th-¬century pieces. In the 17th century, the city of Isfahan was the Islamic cultural center. Carpets displayed all-over designs of vine tendrils supporting large palmettes, and saz leaves (shaped like the blade of a scythe). The background color was usually red, in varying tones.
In the city of Kirman, in the 16th and 17th centuries, products included vase carpets, so-called from their use of Chinese-style vases, within an overall repeat of a vine lattice with palmettes and leaves. Another classic carpet is the “Polonaise” group, thought to have come from Poland, but in fact made in Isfahan. Bright green, blue, red and ivory are the distinctive colors, with lavish use of gilt or silver brocading.
Fewer and poorer quality carpets were made in the 18th and early 19th centuries. But, by the mid-19th century, the booming European market and vogue for things Eastern led to renewed interest. Two distinct types of carpet were produced, both rooted in tradition. Town workshop-type carpets use curvilinear designs, emphasizing floral forms, palmettes, flowering vines and leaves, and sometimes people and exotic beasts. The format is either an overall repeat pattern or a central medallion design. Prayer rugs were also made, often including a tree of life. The formal and intricate designs were first drawn by the ustad (designer) and anonymous weavers would then translate the pattern onto the loom. Sometimes the signature or distinguishing mark of the ustad is woven into the carpet.
Tribal and village type production was quite different. Rugs were more often made than carpets because the looms were smaller (transportable for nomadic tribes). Technical quality can vary. The best-known Persian tribes are the Afshar, the Khamseh and the Ghashghai (Kashgai). Geometric designs were woven from memory, with stylized versions of the naturalistic town rugs.
