History Safavid Dynasty The greatest period of Persian art and especially rug weaving was during the reign of the Safavid Dynasty (1502-1722), mainly during the rule of Shah Tahmasp (1524-76) and Shah Abbas I (1588-1629). Shah Abbas himself was a skillful weaver. Safavid Shahs (rulers) established royal weaving workshops in the cities of Kashan, Kerman, Esfahan, Joshaqan, Tabriz, Yazd, Shiraz, Herat (part of Afghanistan today) and Sabzevar. As a result, many quality rugs were designed by famous artists. Rug weaving transformed from a nomadic craft into sophisticated art. The designs also transformed from their geometric nature into curvilinear patterns. The design repertoire was also dramatically increased. Banquet of Shah Abbas Safavid Painting Inside Chehel-Sotoon Palace in Esfahan Sheikh Lotfollah's Mosque Introduction of Rug Weaving to India Rug weaving was introduced to India during the sixteenth century at the time of the Moghul Emperor Akbar. At the same time rug weaving was flourishing in Iran under the rule of the Safavid Dynasty. Many of the Indian workshops were set up under the supervision of Persian weavers. Consequently, Indian designs were strongly influenced by those of Iran, mainly by the curvilinear styles such as Esfahan. It is even possible that the first Persian weavers who were brought to Lahore (at that time part of India, now part of Pakistan) came from Esfahan. The Emperor Akbar's Entry into Surat in 1573 Victoria & Albert Museum in London Qajar Dynasty The first synthetic dye, Fuchsine (a magenta aniline), was developed in the 1850s. Shortly after, other synthetic aniline dyes followed. Synthetic aniline dyes, made from coal tar, were brilliant, inexpensive, and easy to use; however, they faded rapidly with exposure to light and water. In 1903 Nasser-e Din Shah, the Persian king of Qajar Dynasty (1794-1925) banned the use of aniline dyes in Iran. Persian weavers discontinued the use of synthetic dyes until the modern synthetic chrome dyes, which were colorfast, were developed in the years between the First and the Second World Wars. Introduction of Rug Weaving to Europe Rug weaving was introduced to Europe through Spain during the control of Muslim Moors who ruled most of the Iberian Peninsula, southwestern Europe, from the 8th through the 13th century. Spain became an important rug producing area in the twelfth century. Aubusson Rug Savonnerie Rug Significant European Styles The most important European styles in the history of European rug weaving are the French Savonnerie and Aubusson styles of the 17th and 18th century, which are still being copied by countries such as India, Pakistan, China and Iran. The Savonnerie workshops were set up in Paris by Pierre Dupont in 1628 with supervision of Henry IV. Savonnerie rugs were mainly woven for palaces and by special orders. These designs were produced under the direction of artists of the royal courts. The greatest period for Savonnerie rugs was between 1650 and 1789. Their production was interrupted by the French Revolution, and finally in 1825, the Savonnerie workshops were moved to the Gobelins. Aubusson rugs were first made in Aubusson, France in about 1665. By the 1870s rug production had stopped in Aubusson. Return to Top