Among the finest handmade rugs ever made, Isfahan (Esfahan) rugs are the pinnacle of the Persian rug. In an enchanted city, renowned for its taste and finesse, these rugs are of great delicacy and utmost intricacy. The city of Isfahan holds pride of place in the Persian rug industry because of its rich history and reputation dating back to the 16th century. Most Isfahan rugs are finely detailed in wool and silk, often woven on a base of pure silk. Until the middle of the 20th century colours were mostly bold with red and blue motifs on the ubiquitous beige. Still, at the sight of curvilinear vines snaking over an elegant field around an exquisite medallion, the word 'Isfahan' tends to spring to one's mind. Patterns include pictorial and tree-of-life schemes, as well as the Shah Abbas field with its floral vines. singed by Seirafian