Persian rug patterns tell stories that span millennia, encoding cultural values, religious symbolism, and artistic traditions in their intricate designs. Understanding these motifs deepens appreciation for these remarkable textiles.
The boteh, often called the paisley pattern in the West, represents the Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. This teardrop-shaped motif appears throughout Persian design, from elaborate court rugs to simple village weavings.
Herati patterns feature a central rosette surrounded by curved leaves, traditionally representing fish swimming around the full moon. This design originated in the city of Herat (now in Afghanistan) and became one of the most widely reproduced motifs in rug history.
Garden designs, or 'chahar bagh' patterns, reflect the Persian concept of paradise as a walled garden. These rugs feature geometric divisions representing irrigation channels, with flowering plants, trees, and sometimes animals populating each section.
At Eastern Mills, our traditional pattern collections honor these historic designs while adapting them for contemporary spaces, ensuring these remarkable artistic traditions continue to evolve.