16th Century twin Ardabil Rugs, which are kept apart in London and LA museums

A pair of Ardabil rugs with the “Sheikh Safi” design is a pair of exquisite Ardabil Persian carpets belonging to the fourth decade of the 16th century. These carpets are symbols of ardabil persian rug history.

These antique Ardabil rugs are considered historical documents. It is interesting to know that this pair of rugs are world famous due to their history and signature. For this reason, they have been included in the list of 50 works and artistic masterpieces worldwide.

Here are some “Sheikh Safi” designed Ardabil rugs facts:

  • They have silk warp and waft and Persian knots.
  • The pile is made of wool and is woven in 10 different dyes.
  • At that time, it was woven by the senior Moqsed Kashani, which is a testimony to the extraordinary skill in weaving these carpets.
  • The length of these carpets is 11 and 52 centimeters (37 feet and 52 inches ), and their width is 5 meters and 34 centimeters (17 feet and 51 inches).
  • Senior Kashani the grand ardabil rugs artist made 33 million Persian knots in the making and finishing each of these carpets.
  • One carpet is kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the other in the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the United States.