Persian Rugs - Curvilinear and Floral Designs

Most elements in Persian rugs have great meaning and reflect their close affinity with nature. That's why nature in some form whether in small plants and flowers or delicate animals can be seen in almost all carpets.

In most Persian rugs, the most common motif is the central medallion, and even though two may look similar, no two medallions are completely identical. Some experts believe that the medallion design stems from the spiritual nature of the weavers and that their inspiration probably came from the domes of the Mosques. When discussing fine Persian rug patterns, it helps to be familiar with the Safavid Dynasty in Iran, especially the era when the Great Shah Abbas was king. He is the one that springs to mind as the inspiration for various patterns, all of which feature the lily in an isolated central position linked only by delicate tendrils. Often, you will see a rug classified as a Shah Abbasi design. Shah Abbas was responsible for a large portion of the Persian rug industry by setting up royal rug factories all over Iran and making Isfahan the country's capital. Today, a Shah Abbasi is among the finest Persian rugs available.

A central diamond shaped figure forming the medallion while also a border to another similar medallion, which is another border to another inner medallion -- is found in rugs from around Iran, although almost all rug producing countries have made this design at one time or the other.

It is probably one of the most famous designs, deriving from the town of Herat, now in Afghanistan but once part of the Persian Empire.