Persian Rugs the O'Connell Guide

Isfahan Rugs: Notes on Mohammad Seirafian

For more information visit my Guide to Seirafian of Isfahan Rugs

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In the west the best known of all master carpet workshops in Iran is Seirafian (often misspelled Sarafian in the west). When I was in Tehran I had the chance to meet and discuss Seirafian rugs with Mohammad Seirafian of the legendary Seirafian carpet workshop in Isfahan. The workshop founded by his father set the style of Isfahan Rug that lasts to this day.

How fine are Seirafian rugs and do some really reach 900 kpsi?

Legend has it the late Mr. Seirafian was able to reach 900 knots per square inch so I asked Mohammad if it was true. 900 he asked as if he was not understanding my question. 900 is low he told me and then he showed a rug woven 35 by 36 knots per square inch for 1260 kpsi.

What about the forged signatures?

Fake Seirafian Signatures are a problem in that they are in the market and most people cannot tell the difference. Mr. Seirafian explained that the forgers use the Seirafian signature in Persian and English with the Iranian flag colors. He has never seen a Mohammad Seirafian signature forged. Seirafian mentioned that they know their own rugs.

The quality I saw in the Seirafian display was excellent. Quality was very high and the sales seemed brisk. I spent a good bit of time in the ICC area across from the Seirafian display and I saw a steady stream of customers. With that I saw that rugs were taken down and new inventory hung in their place. I asked about price and Mr. Seirafian explained that one of their rugs sold for 2 million dollars US but most were less.

Oriental Rugs the O'Connell Notes

Copyright Barry O'Connell 2004 - 2007
Last revised: May 29, 2008.

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