Over the long history of Persian carpets, designs have undergone significant changes, from simple geometric patterns to gorgeous plant motifs. These have been influenced by the politics and culture of each era, and the patterns and colors used in the woven carpets reflect the aesthetic sense of the time.
Ancient to Middle Ages: The Age of Geometric Patterns
In ancient Persia, such as the Sassanid dynasty, gorgeous carpets incorporating plants and animals were produced, but from the 7th century onwards, under the influence of Islam, abstract patterns such as geometric and arabesque designs became mainstream.Miniature paintings from the Timurid period depict carpets with a grid of stars and octagons, and linear, repetitive patterns were the norm at the time.
Safavid Dynasty: Design Innovation and the Rise of Floral Patterns
When the Safavid dynasty was established in the 16th century, carpet workshops were established under the patronage of the royal family, and sophisticated styles were established using advanced techniques. This period saw major changes, with the appearance of large medallions (central decorations), flowing arabesque patterns, and gorgeous designs filled with flowers and plants. The vibrant colors of natural dyes also stood out.
Qajar Dynasty: Revival and Simplification of Traditional Patterns
In the second half of the 19th century, the Qajar dynasty experienced a boom in mass production and exports to Europe and the United States. Designs also simplified the complex patterns of the previous era, and designs that repeated traditional motifs such as Herati (fish and flower patterns) and Bote (paisley-style arabesque patterns) became mainstream. The introduction of new chemical dyes (aniline) made it possible to express vivid colors, but they also had the disadvantage of causing colors to fade easily and damaging the traditional texture.
Modern and Post-Modern Times: Restoring Tradition and Contemporary Design
The 20th century saw a revival of the Persian carpet tradition, with the reintroduction of natural dyes and the revival of classical patterns. At the same time, new designs were woven using ancient techniques, resulting in pieces that blended tradition with modernity.
