Handmade Rug Motifs: An A-Z Guide
There are a number of patterns which are found in Persian and Oriental rugs called 'motifs', these designs have different meanings and tend to be used depending on the area the rug was woven, although it is not unusual to find more than one motif in a single rug.
Some of the most common motifs are listed below.
Table of Contents
- Ch'ang
- Chinese Fret
- Chintamani
- Escutcheon
- Herati
- Kufic
- Mina Khani
- Palmette
- Quatrefoil
- Rosette
- Shah Abbasi
- Swastika
- Ying-Yang
Ch'ang
The Ch'ang motif is a traditional Chinese design that features a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, often decorated with intricate patterns and symbols. This motif is said to symbolize balance, harmony, and stability. The use of this motif is believed to have originated in the Han Dynasty (06 BCE- 220 CE) and it was used as a decorative element in architecture, ceramics and textiles. It is often used in traditional Chinese handmade rugs, as it is believed to bring peace, prosperity and good luck to the home.
Chinese Fret
The Chinese fret is a geometric pattern that features a series of interlocking shapes, often in a repeating pattern. This motif is said to symbolize unity and continuity. The use of this motif is also believed to have originated in the Han Dynasty. It is often used in traditional Chinese handmade rugs, as it is believed to bring balance, harmony and unity to the home.
Chintamani
The Buddhist Chintamani pattern is a traditional symbol that is deeply rooted in Buddhist culture and is believed to have originated in ancient India. This pattern features a central round medallion, also called a Chintamani which is surrounded by swirling, swirling patterns. The Chintamani is a sacred symbol that is said to represent the wish-fulfilling jewel, and is believed to bring good luck, prosperity and happiness.
The swirling patterns are said to represent the infinite wisdom and compassion of the Buddha. The Chintamani pattern is often used in traditional Buddhist art and architecture, such as temples, statues, and mandalas, and it is also used in traditional textiles such as rugs, tapestries, and fabrics. This motif is not limited to Buddhist culture, it also appears in Hindu, Jain and even in ancient Egyptian culture. It is a symbol of the infinite and eternal cycles of birth, death and rebirth.
Escutcheon
The escutcheon is a heraldic motif that resembles a shield, often decorated with intricate designs and patterns. This motif was often used in medieval European tapestries, and it has also been used in traditional handmade Persian and Oriental rugs. It is believed that the use of escutcheon motif in rug design symbolises protection and strength.
Herati
The Herati motif is a traditional pattern that features a central diamond shape, surrounded by smaller floral and geometric designs. This motif is said to symbolize the abundance and fertility of nature, and it is often used in traditional handmade Persian and Oriental rugs. The use of this motif is believed to have originated in the city of Herat, in present-day Afghanistan, during the 15th century. It is commonly found in rugs from the city of Herat, as well as in rugs from neighbouring regions such as Iran and Central Asia.
Kufic
Kufic is a form of calligraphy that originated in the 7th century in the city of Kufa, Iraq.
This script is characterized by its bold and angular lines, and it is often used in Islamic art and architecture, including traditional handmade Persian and Oriental rugs.
The use of Kufic script in rug design is said to symbolize the importance of language, literature, and the written word in Islamic culture.
Kufic calligraphy was the first script used to write down the Quran and it was used extensively during the early Islamic period. The use of Kufic script in rug design is a way to show devotion to Islam and its sacred texts.
Mina Khani
The Mina Khani motif is a traditional motif that features a floral design, surrounded by four daisy-like smaller floral patterns in a diamond formation similar to the points of a compass.
This motif is said to symbolize the beauty and abundance of nature.
The use of this motif is believed to have originated in the city of Tabriz, in present-day Iran, during the 19th century.
The Mina Khani design is a combination of traditional Persian floral patterns and European-inspired designs, which were popular during the Qajar period.
Palmette
The Palmette motif is a traditional pattern that features a palm-like shape, often decorated with intricate patterns and designs.
This motif is said to symbolize victory and success, and it is often used in traditional handmade Persian and Oriental rugs. The use of this motif is believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where the palm tree was a symbol of life, fertility and victory. It was then adopted by the Persian and Islamic cultures, and became a popular motif in rug design.
Quatrefoil
The Quatrefoil is a motif that features a four-lobed shape, often with a central circle or medallion. This motif is said to symbolize balance and harmony, and it is often used in traditional handmade Persian and Oriental rugs.
The use of this motif is believed to have originated in medieval Europe, where it was a popular design element in Gothic architecture and illuminated manuscripts. It was then adopted by the Islamic cultures and became a popular motif in tilework, architecture and rug design. It is often used to decorate the spandrels or the corners of the main medallion in a rug.
Rosette
The Rosette motif is a traditional pattern that features a circular shape with petals, often decorated with intricate patterns and designs.
This motif is said to symbolize the beauty and abundance of nature, and it is often used in traditional handmade Persian and Oriental rugs.
The use of this motif is believed to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, where the rosette symbolized the sun and the cycles of nature. It was then adopted by the Persian and Islamic cultures and became a popular motif in rug design.
Shah Abbasi
The Shah Abbasi motif is a traditional Persian motif that features a central medallion with a floral design, surrounded by smaller floral and geometric patterns. This motif is said to symbolise the beauty and abundance of nature, and it is often used in traditional handmade Persian and Oriental rugs.
The use of this motif is believed to have originated during the reign of Shah Abbas the Great (1587-1629) in Persia, one of Persia's (Iran's) great leaders who is said to have promoted the arts, including rug weaving.
The Shah Abbasi design is a combination of traditional Persian floral patterns and European-inspired designs, which were popular during the Safavid period.
Swastika
The Swastika is a symbol that has been used for thousands of years in various cultures and religions. It is, or was, a traditional symbol of good luck and prosperity, and it was often used in handmade rugs from the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The use of this symbol is highly controversial in the Western world, it is considered to be a symbol of hate and anti-Semitism, but may be found in some antique rugs pre-dating the World Wars.
Sources
- https://www.rugs.com/rug-education/motifs
- https://www.thespruce.com/heraldic-motifs-in-medieval-tapestries-4116579
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Swastika
- https://www.thespruce.com/traditional-chinese-motifs-in-art-and-design-4078042
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kufic