Safavid period carpets photo gallery - Explore Safavid carpets

The Safavid period, spanning from 1501 to 1722, marks the climax of Persian carpet design and craftsmanship. During this time, under the influence of court designers, Persian carpets reached new heights of artistic and technical achievement. The Safavid dynasty’s rule brought an explosion of creativity in carpet weaving, with designs ranging from complex geometric patterns to intricate floral motifs. These carpets were woven in various cities across Persia, including Isfahan, Kashan, and Kirman, and featured materials such as silk, wool, and metallic threads.

Notable examples from the Safavid period on this page include a fragment of an early Safavid carpet from northwest Persia, dating to the first half of the 16th century, which measures approximately 323 by 280 cm. Another significant piece is a Safavid Isfahan rug from the 17th century, measuring 230 x 145 cm. Other fragments, such as the ‘Vase-technique’ carpet, show the distinctive use of intricate designs and the skilled application of metal-wrapped threads.

The period also produced luxurious silk fabrics, with some examples showing detailed embroidery, such as the Armenian Safavid embroidery from around 1630, which uniquely depicts Jonah and the Whale. The Safavid carpets from this era are highly valued for their historical importance and artistic refinement, often showcasing both the cultural influences of Persia and the technical expertise that defined this golden age of carpet making.

AN EARLY SAFAVID CARPET FRAGMENT, NORTH WEST PERSIA. First half 16th century. Approximately 323 by 280 cm. (Sothebys June 2020)

Safavid Isfahan rug Central Persia 17th century. Size 230cm. x 145 cm. (Christies May 2019)

A Safavid 'Vase-technique' carpet fragment — A Safavid ‘Vase-technique’ carpet fragment, possibly Kirman, Southeast Persia, approximately 6ft. 1in. by 4ft. 1in. (1.85 by 1.24m.), late 16th century. (Sothebys October 2015)

A Safavid part-cotton fragmentary rug — A Safavid part-cotton and part-metal-thread fragmentary rug, Kashan or Isphahan. Approximately 4ft. 4in. by 2ft. 3in. (1.32 by 0.69m.), second half 16th century. (Sothebys October 2015)

A Safavid silk fabric with metal-wrapped threads, Persia, 16th century 53 x 38 cm. (Nagel March 2015)

Armenian Safavid embroidery with a unique representation of Jonah and the Whale. Circa 1630. Owned by Berdj Achdjian.(Armenian Rugs Exhibition)

Figdor Carpet, Kerman garden carpet — Figdor Carpet, detail, Kerman garden carpet, Safavid Empire, South Iran, 1st half 17th century 191 x 156 cm, purchased at the Albert Figdor auction in 1930. © Lois Lammerhuber/MAK (Mak Permanent Collection)

Wiener Jagdteppich [Viennese Hunting Carpet], detail, Safavid Empire, Central Iran, Kashan, 1st half 16th century 687 x 331 cm, taken over from the Imperial Court in 1922. © Gerald Zugmann/MAK (Mak Permanent Collection)

THE BERNHEIMER ‘VASE’ CARPET FRAGMENT. From the collection of Robert P. Hendrikson. A Safavid ‘vase’-technique carpet fragment, probably Kirman, Southeast Persia
Early 17th century. Approximately 122 x 74 cm. (Sothebys January 2014)

THE NEW YORK NICHE RUG. From the collection of Joseph and Lewis Dubroff. A Safavid prayer rug, Kashan or Isphahan, Central Persia. Circa 1600. Approximately 173 x 119cm. (Sothebys January 2014)

late 17th or early18th century Safavid "Vase" carpet — Lot 467, a late 17th or early18th century Safavid “Vase” carpet. Size 357 by 302 cm. (Sothebys April 2011)

Safavid silk brocade 17th/18th century. (The Frauenknecht Collection)

More articles about Safavid carpets: Safavid carpets – Iran Carpet Museums 40th anniversary