SIGNED SADEGH SEIRAFIAN, CENTRAL PERSIA, CIRCA 1940

The knot count measures approximately 10V x 12H per cm. sq.

The inscription reads; dastur-e sadegh sayrafian esfahan iran, 'Order of Sadegh Seirafian of Isfahan, Iran'

For three generations the master weavers of the Seirafian family have produced rugs that are widely considered today as being of the very best quality. In 1939 the respected banker, investor and carpet collector Haj Agha Reza Seirafian (1881-1975) decided to enter the carpet industry after acquiring two unfinished rugs from a master weaver. By using the best materials, designers and weavers, the Seirafian workshop conformed to a new standard of quality, often doubling the knot count from an average of 270 knots per square inch to approximately 550 or more. This level of excellence continued as Seirafian's seven sons followed in his footsteps, along with his first grandson Mojtaba Seirafian. His sons, from the eldest to the youngest were; the late Mohammad Ali, Mohammad, the late Sadegh, the late Ahmad, 'Ali, the late Hossein and Hassan Seirafian. A number of the most notable grandchildren to Master Haj Agha Reza Seirafian were the sons of Mohammad Seirafian; Mehdi, Moitaba and Bagher.

The hallmark of Seirafian carpets is the exceptionally high quality of materials used in their production. Very often woven on a silk foundation, as in the present carpet, the hand knotted pile is finely spun from soft kurk wool that is shorn from the chest and shoulders of young lambs. The finesse of the weave and the higher knot count in turn allowed for more intricate and elaborate designs to be woven. The additional accents of silk highlights is another of their distinguishing features as are the wide variety of designs that include medallions, prayer rugs, figural and pictorial scenes and elaborate scrolling arabesque vinery. The Seirafian designers showed that they were highly accomplished at creating perfectly graded curves, border designs which resolved effortlessly at every corner and faultless technique at marrying complex designs with finely balanced colour palettes that avoided large expanses of primary colour.

Sadegh Seirafian (1922-2005), who pursued this profession after his graduation from high school, showed considerable interest and combined the dexterity of the skilful masters with his own innovative designs and began to produce carpets while working at his father's workshop. Sadegh's pictorial vignettes within the field of the present rug, illustrate the almost balletic prowess of the huntsmen and continue the classical thread of Persian traditions drawn from earlier Safavid miniatures and manuscript illuminations.Today, the carpets of Sadegh Seirafian attract considerable interest in their own right and a great many of his pieces are to be found in museums, private collections and international organisations around the world.