In the heyday of the city under Shah Abbas the Great, in the 16th and 17th centuries, Isfahan was a paradise of art and beauty. The overall color effect of the new Isfahans is pale, beige or light blue. However, sometimes as many as fifteen colors are used for contrast and outlines, including several different red shades.
Carpets have central, multi-lobed medallians or less frequently, repeat patterns.
Field and borders are clearly separated, often by between two and five minor borders and guard stripes. Foundation Warps and Wefts are of cotton, although wool wefts are also found. Silk Isfahans also have a silk foundation. Gold or Silver threads are used for small highlights, recalling the early Polonaise rugs which had precious metal thread in the foundation. The good quality, very finely spun wool, kurk wool, is woven in the Persian knot, with 2000- 5000 knots per sq.