 A
traditional rug is easily recognized by its intricate geometric and
floral designs, adding an air of style and grace to any home.
Curvilinear designs are particular to a Persian traditional rug and
symbolism is a very important element. Camels are symbolic of wealth,
carnations are symbols of happiness, doves symbolize peace, parrots are
symbolic of love, pomegranates are symbols of abundance, and the famous
tree of life design symbolizes eternity. The different centers in
Persia each produce their own unique traditional rug design.
The traditional rug design from the city of Yazd usually features a
single floral medallion in the center. These exceptionally vibrant rugs
may have more that 20 colors primarily focusing on red, navy blue, and
beige. Kashan produces traditional rug designs in reds and blues
featuring diamond-shaped medallions with small matching spandrels on
floral fields, primarily in wool. The typical traditional rug design on
a Tabriz rug is a dense floral motif with large palmettes and vases, or
vivid hunting scenes with or without a medallion. Heriz traditional rug
designs are known for their large square-shaped medallions in black or
navy set in a lighter field, with the main colors of the rug in shades
of rust and red, with beige, navy, brown or black details. Isfahan rugs
are the crème de la crème of Persian rugs. Although the colors have
become more subdued in recent years, curvilinear vines snaking over an
elegant field around an exquisite medallion, tree-of-life schemes, as
well as the Shah Abbas field with its floral vines are instantly
recognizable as Isfahan rugs. Ardabil rugs usually have the famous Mahi
(Herati) traditional rug design, with a diamond medallion and small
fish throughout. Recently we’ve seen a trend to bolder geometric
patterns and the additions of turquoise and purple to the traditional
color palate.
The traditional rug designs may vary from city to city and from region
to region, but the exquisite quality of the craftsmanship and materials
remains constant.
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