Oriental Rugs Dictionary
Abbas, Shah
Shah Abbas refers to Shah Abbas I (reigned 1587–1629), one of the most important rulers of the Safavid dynasty in Persia. During his reign, Persian carpet weaving reached a peak of artistic development, with the establishment of royal workshops producing highly refined carpets. Many classical Persian carpet designs are associated with this period. Shah Abbas , called “The Great” king of Persia, reigned from 1587 to 1629. In wars with the Uzbeks, Ottoman Turks and Portuguese, he consolidated the dominion of Persia from the Tigris to the Indus. His reign was distinguished by a magnificent court, the construction of mosques and public buildings and a great expansion of commerce. He stablished workshops which produced carpets for his palaces and for state gifts. Approximately 300 silk carpets woven during or shortly after his reign have survived. Most of these carpets have been attributed to Isfahan and Kashan.
