Rugs and carpets of the Persian Safavid dynasty

The Persian Safavid dynasty (1501-1722) is considered the beginning of modern Persia and established the school of Shia Islam as the official religion. The Safavids transformed the rug and carpet production into the status of a national industry. Many fine rugs and carpets were produced in Isfahan, Kashan and Kerman. Not only did their adorn the Palaces and Mosques of Persia but they were also presented to Monarchs and dignitaries of the known world. The most famous of these carpets still in existence is the Ardabil carpet in the V & A Museum London, and a world record price for a carpet of £21.8 million has just been achieved at Sotheby's New York for a Safavid dynasty rug.