Persian Rugs Through the Ages (Part two)

In 1219, the Persian Empire was largely decimated by the brutal conquest of Genghis Khan. The Mongol invaders did not allow for the continuation of their traditional arts, including Persian rugs. It's postulated that throughout this era, making of now antique rugs was limited to nomads and indigenous tribes, and the royal courts lost many of their gorgeous old rugs.

Many cities were sacked and it's likely that many works of art were destroyed.  Mongols ruled in Persia for more than five centuries, embellishing their palaces wit ht he remaining Persian rugs. Eventually an opportunity arose for Persian nationals to reclaim their self-rule for the first time in centuries. Finally foreign tule was overthrown. Shah Ismail in the 1500s rove out the foreign occupiers and established the Savañd dynasty.

This liberation led to a new fomentation of Persian art, including rugs. Shash Ismaeil helped to patronize this Renaissance of art throughout the land, paying for new rugs and decorations ofr the palace and establishing many art schools throughout the land. city craft centers became popular, and apprenticeships skyrocketed.

The ascension of the Safavid rulers ushered in the famous era of rug production that led Persia into the modern era as the mecca of rug production.