Symbols
Symbols Of The Weaver
The question of symbolism has always fascinated connoisseurs of Persian carpets.
Key elements of the carpet design are found in the timeless symbols of Persian culture. The familiar “Tree of Life” for example, dates back to ancient Mesopotamia, while other images are attributed with great symbolic power. Animal motifs are frequently found in Persian carpets, from the nomadic rugs to the finest silk masterpieces.
The peacock appears in the mythology of a variety of Eastern cultures as a sacred bird and is often included in rug design; the rooster represents the devil, woven into the rug to protect its owner from the evil eye. Beasts and birds of prey, such as lions and falcons, indicate courage, victory and glory; the heron symbolises long life, and the hawk victory. The comb means cleanliness, while the sword stands for supreme power. The pomegranate brings abundance, the carnation happiness, and the Botah, a type of palm tree, is interpreted today in the paisley pattern, as fertility.
One of the best rulers of Iran, Shah Abbas (1586 – 1628) was a great patron of the arts and established large workshops in Esfahan where rugs of marvellous beauty and texture were made. Various patterns bear his name and are familiar to all weavers, whether in Kirman, Kashan, Esfahan or Tabriz.
Every rug tells a story, however, it is important to remember that the Iranians are an art-loving people who regard a pattern as a work of art in itself. The artists have often chosen the patterns because they like them and they have become traditional features in the weaver’s design repertoire.
For centuries, collectors in the West have avidly sought the rugs and carpets of Persia, knowing that a genuine Persian carpet creates a unique atmosphere and represents a valuable investment. Their richness in design, their symbolism, their delightful colours an the weaver’s imagination all combine to form an unmatched gift of timeless beauty.
In the world of Oriental carpets, the Persian carpet is acknowledged as superior in every aspect. Like a child blossoming into young adulthood, or a vintage wine, your Persian carpet will be a continuing source of pleasure, while its investment potential increases as it ages.
