The carpet-weaving enterprise of the charitable organization that runs the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran. It began as a small operation weaving chiefly for the shrine and, in the early 1980s (about four years after the Iranian revolution), grew into a large-scale producer of Mashhad rugs, reportedly over 6,000 square meters (about 65,000 square feet) a year with more than 500 artisans. It is known for special dyes, described as natural vegetable dyes, that give deep reds and blues. Rugs bearing its signature were often destined for shrines or commissioned as gifts.
Persian city rugs from Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, in the north-east, where weaving began in the late Middle Ages. They are known for high knot density (typically above 250 KPSI, roughly 39 per cm², and exceptionally near 1,000, about 155 per cm², on a silk foundation) and intricate flower designs in medallion, medallion-and-corner or allover layouts, in wine-red or burgundy, deep blue, green and cream. The pile is wool on a cotton foundation and higher than in most city rugs; a silk foundation is rare, and newer silk-and-wool pieces add silk to the pile. Rugs of the closed Saber workshop are now collectible, while Astan Quds Razavi remains a well-known name.