Vist Rugs: A Village Design Woven from Memory
A closer look at Vist, Viss and Wiss rugs: their stepped design, local motif names, floral and animal details, borders and colour, grounded in a study of 100 older rugs.
Magazine
Tree Motifs in Persian Prayer Rugs: Meaning and Design
A visual, source-led guide to tree motifs in Persian prayer rugs, including mihrab structure, cypress and garden imagery, regional examples, and careful interpretation.
Sonqor Rugs: Village Motifs, Symbolism and Identification
A visual, source-led guide to Sonqor rugs, the Sonqor and Koliai naming relationship, documented village motifs, symbolic interpretations, and careful identification.
Hamadan Rugs: Weaving Structure, Motifs and Regional Variations
Hamadan rugs form a diverse western Iranian weaving network. Learn how structure, regional labels, medallions, Mahi fields and careful visual comparison work together.
Malayer Rugs: A Visual Guide to Weaves, Motifs and Regional Styles
Malayer rugs are a diverse western Iranian weaving family. Learn how structure, layout, angular drawing, colour and local pattern names work together in a careful identification.
Persian Rug Medallions: Meaning, Structure and Garden Imagery
A readable guide to Persian rug medallions, from visible structure and regional drawing to the garden, basin and center interpretations found in Persian scholarship.
Boteh Motif in Persian Rugs: Meaning, Origins, Types & the Paisley Connection
Explore the meaning, debated origins, and eight recognizable forms of the Boteh—the Persian rug motif widely known in the West as paisley.
Lion Motifs in Persian Rugs: Meaning, History, and How to Read Them
Learn how to read lion motifs in Persian rugs through their action, placement, companions, and historical setting, with Safavid carpet examples and a careful look at the Lion and Sun.