Themes in Persian Carpets

Medallions

• The medallion is arguably the most repeated scheme in Persian carpets, as well as in the broader Oriental rug design repertoire, according to Reza T. Ahmadi’s article “Symbolism in Persian Rugs.” Medallions may be centered or repeated throughout the rug, and can take virtually any form, including diamonds, hexagons, octagons, rhomboids, triangles, stars and squares. Ahmadi notes that medallions are believed to be based on the lotus flower, which is considered sacred because it's rooted in mud and blossoms toward heaven.

Latticework

• Latticework is another common overall design scheme. Its appearance has a tilelike effect, where the lattice itself acts as the “grout,” or structure that holds the design together. Some lattice designs are geometric, including those with diamond-, hexagonal- and rhomboidal-shaped fields. Other latticework uses curved lines for a different overall effect. Sometimes vines make up the lattice. In some examples, the lattice pattern emerges through the placement of one repeated shape on a solid field of color.

Flowers

• Flowers are prolific in Persian carpets. They're frequently found within other design schemes, including more geometrically based motifs. A medallion, for example, may be made up of many small flowers or constructed as a single flower. All-over floral patterns don’t include a medallion in the rug’s center, and are often bordered by floral vines. A widely used Persian floral motif, called Herati or Mahi, is composed of a single blossom in a diamond framework with four outwardly curved leaves situated along the diamond's sides.

Animals and Birds

• Animal-themed designs are also common in Persian carpets. Birds appear more than any other single animal, either repeated throughout the border or as part of an all-over bird and floral pattern. Birds usually appear even if another animal, such as a horse, is the main focus. Nightingales, peacocks and doves appear often. One ornate design highly favored by 19th- and 20th-century weavers includes horses, deer, rabbits, monkeys, elephants, winged snakes and various wild cats, placed among interlocking tree branches.

Pictorial Themes

• Pictorial themes are scenes or “paintings” that tell a story. Traditionally, these rugs capture an important moment in Persian history, literature or religious life, featuring realistic renditions of historical figures, fictional characters or important religious symbols. Examples include the Tree of Life situated along a riverbank, a Shah seated on a throne and flanked by his attendants and scenes from the “Persian Book of Kings.” Everyday village life and landscape paintings are also used as a basis for Persian pictorial rugs.