Adapted design in Iranian carpet
Adaptation design in carpet refers to those designs and motifs that are inspired by patterns, motifs and visual elements of other arts or different cultures and used in handwoven carpets. These designs are inspired by various sources and arts, such as architectural motifs, tiling, painting, and even handicrafts of other countries or regions, and then with the necessary changes and adaptations, they are localized in the art of Iranian carpet weaving.
Adapted designs are usually the result of cultural, commercial and artistic influences between different regions and civilizations and show the capacity of Iranian carpet weaving art in accepting and integrating diverse ideas and designs from foreign sources and recreating them in a native and original form. This process of adaptation and localization allows Iranian carpets to be innovative and respond to diverse tastes while being faithful to their cultural roots. Finally, the adaptation design, as a link between traditional arts and foreign elements, causes more richness of Iranian carpet weaving art and diversity in the designs and motifs of these carpets.
The place of adapted designs in Iranian carpets
Adapted design has a special place in Iranian carpets and shows the ability of carpet weaving art to absorb, integrate and localize visual and artistic elements from other cultures and arts. These designs have grown and entered the art of carpet weaving especially during the periods when Iran had contact with other cultures through trade, war, or cultural interactions.
The position of adapted designs in Iranian carpets can be examined from several aspects:
1. Artistic richness and visual diversity
2. Response to market changes and needs
3. Role in preserving and developing the art of carpet weaving
4. Indicates cultural interactions
In general, the design of adaptation in Iranian carpets has not only contributed to the cultural and artistic richness of this art, but as a bridge between tradition and innovation, it has played an important role in maintaining the position and importance of Iranian carpets in the world markets.
History and background of adapted designs in Iranian carpet weaving
The history and background of adapted designs in Iranian carpet weaving goes back to different historical periods and represents Iran's cultural, commercial and artistic interactions with other nations and civilizations. Throughout history, these designs have gradually entered the art of Iranian carpet weaving and have played an important role in the evolution and variety of Iranian carpet patterns.
Pre-Islamic period
In the pre-Islamic periods, especially during the Achaemenid and Sasanian periods, Iran interacted with various cultures and civilizations, including Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Adapted designs in this era often included animal and plant motifs that entered Iranian arts from visual and decorative arts of other civilizations, including carpet weaving.
Islamic era
With the arrival of Islam in Iran and the spread of Islamic arts, designs adapted from Islamic and Arabic cultures entered the art of Iranian carpet weaving. Geometric patterns, Kufic script, and abstract motifs from Islamic architecture, especially during the Safavid period (16th and 17th centuries AD), are strongly seen in Iranian carpets. During this period, designs adapted from Islamic and Ottoman arts also had a significant impact on Iranian carpet weaving.
Safavid era
The Safavid era can be considered the peak of the flourishing of Iranian carpet weaving art. During this period, Iran became an important center of world trade and Iranian carpets were exported to Europe and other parts of the world. At this time, designs adapted from Chinese, Indian, and European arts were imported, especially in silk carpets and large carpets of the emperors. Also, Iranian carpets, influenced by Iranian miniature paintings and Safavid architecture, achieved very complex and diverse designs that were a combination of native and adapted elements.
Qajar era
During the Qajar era, with the expansion of commercial and cultural relations with the West, the influence of European arts on Iranian carpets increased. Floral designs, hunting grounds, and nature scenes inspired by European paintings were widely used in Persian carpets. Also, the use of new colors and techniques in carpet weaving was influenced by Europeans.
contemporary era
In the contemporary era, adapted designs are still present in Iranian carpet weaving and have been accompanied by more innovations. Today, modern designs and even visual elements from different world cultures can be seen in Iranian carpets. Using digital techniques and modern dyeing, contemporary weavers have been able to adapt the designs to the new tastes and needs of the global market.
The influence of local and indigenous arts
It should also be mentioned the influence of local and native arts of different regions of Iran on adaptation designs. Each region of Iran, inspired by its local arts and cultures, has combined adapted designs with local colors and motifs and created carpets with special and unique characteristics.
Sources of inspiration for adaptation designs
The sources of inspiration for adapted designs in Iranian handwoven carpets are very diverse and wide and generally include different arts and cultures from ancient times to contemporary times.
Arrays of Islamic architecture: geometric and decorative motifs used in Islamic architecture, such as moqrans, inscriptions, and mosque decorations, are the main sources of inspiration for adapted designs in Iranian carpets. These motifs include complex geometric patterns and repetitive designs that add to the aesthetics of Iranian carpets.
Islamic tiling: The patterns of tiling from the Abbasid and Seljuk eras, with various and colorful patterns, have had a great impact on the design of Iranian carpets. Geometric and naturalistic designs in tiling were transferred to Iranian carpets, especially during the Safavid period.
Chinese art: Chinese designs, including animal motifs, flowers, and natural landscapes, have influenced Iranian carpets at various times. Chinese art with precision and elegance in coloring and design was added to the adapted designs in Iranian carpets.
Indian Art: Indian designs, especially from the Mughal and Mauryan periods, included intricate motifs and plant decorations that found their way into Persian carpets. Lotus designs and Indian ivy added variety and beauty to the design of Iranian carpets.
Ottoman motifs: In the Ottoman period, Turkish and Islamic designs with the influence of Byzantine and Arabic arts were used, especially in plant and floral motifs. Especially during the Qajar era, these motifs entered Iranian carpets and created new and diverse designs.
European paintings: In the Qajar and contemporary eras, the influence of European arts, especially through trade and diplomatic relations, is evident in the design of Iranian carpets. Patterns of hunting grounds, natural landscapes, and scenes of daily life inspired by European paintings entered Persian carpets.
Renaissance patterns: Renaissance patterns and baroque decorations from European arts have also influenced the design of Iranian carpets. These designs are seen especially in the contemporary period and in workshop and urban carpets.
Arts of tribes and nomads: The art and local motifs of Iranian tribes and nomads have also been added to the design of adapted carpets. Simpler and traditional designs inspired by daily life, nature, and local beliefs have been added to modern designs and have preserved the native identity of Iranian carpets.
Arts of different regions of Iran: each region of Iran with its own cultural and artistic features added to the design of adapted carpets. Special designs for each region, inspired by local arts and cultural influences of other regions, have given uniqueness to the carpets of that region.
Natural motifs: Designs inspired by natural landscapes, such as plants, flowers, and animals, have been added to Iranian carpets, especially in contemporary times. These designs show the influence of the environment and natural beauty on the art of carpet weaving.
The process of localization of adaptation plans
The localization process of adapted designs in Iranian carpets includes the process of matching foreign motifs and patterns with native Iranian cultural and artistic features, which systematically helps to preserve local identity and traditions. In this process, Iranian weavers and designers first identify designs adapted from different cultures and arts, and then by changing colors, materials, and weaving techniques, they localize these motifs in a way that is in harmony with local tastes. This adaptation includes combining foreign motifs with traditional Iranian designs, simplifying complex designs, and using local fibers and colors. In this way, localized carpets are not only compatible with local culture and taste, but they can also be well introduced in international markets without losing their cultural identity.
Regional diversity in adaptation plans
Geographical and cultural diversity
Northern regions (such as Gilan and Mazandaran):
Floral and natural designs: In these areas, floral and natural designs inspired by green and forest landscapes can be seen, especially in felt and wool carpets. These designs are specifically inspired by Chinese and Indian art and adapted in the form of native motifs.
Western and central regions (such as Kermanshah, Isfahan and Qom):
Geometric and architectural motifs: These areas contain complex geometric motifs and architectural decorations due to the influence of Islamic architecture and Ottoman arts. Designs adapted from Islamic tiling and historical architecture are used, especially in Ili and Shahri carpets.
Southern regions (such as Shiraz and Kerman):
Animal motifs and landscapes: In these areas, animal motifs and landscapes inspired by Chinese and Indian arts can be seen, especially in silk and colorful carpets. These motifs are specially adapted locally with warm and vivid colors.
Historical and economic effects
Qajar carpets:
European and Ottoman influences: During the Qajar period, Iranian carpets were influenced by European and Ottoman arts. These influences caused designs adapted from European paintings and Ottoman motifs to be added to the design of Qajar carpets. These changes are especially evident in urban areas and in large carpet production workshops.
Contemporary carpets:
Global influences and innovation: In contemporary times, global influences and the need for innovation have caused Iranian carpets to be designed with new adaptation designs and a combination of different cultures. This trend is especially seen in large industrial and commercial areas such as Tehran and Isfahan.
Diversity in techniques and materials
Various textures and materials:
Felt and woolen carpets: In rural and nomadic areas, felt and woolen textures with simple and traditional motifs are used from local arts and old textures. These motifs are especially inspired by indigenous and local arts and are less influenced by foreign designs.
Silk and hand-woven carpets: In urban areas and large workshops, the use of silk materials and advanced weaving techniques has led to more complex designs with motifs adapted from various arts.
Cultural and religious influences
Islamic and religious motifs:
Carpets for mosques and religious places: In the design of carpets for mosques and religious places, Islamic and religious motifs are adapted with the influence of Islamic architectural designs and local arts. These motifs are seen especially in religious areas such as Mashhad and Qom.
Native and local motifs:
Carpets of tribes and nomads: Native and local motifs inspired by the daily life and religious and cultural beliefs of tribes and nomads can be seen in the carpets of these regions, especially in the central and western regions of Iran. These motifs are less influenced by foreign cultures and stick more to local characteristics.
Artistic and technical features of adapted carpets
The artistic and technical features of the adapted carpets in Iranian carpets are designed and executed in a way that reflects the combination of foreign motifs and local elements, especially with unique and innovative adaptations. In terms of artistic features, the adapted rugs are often known for their diversity of design. These carpets usually include a combination of motifs and patterns from different world arts such as Islamic, Chinese, Indian and European arts, which are creatively and carefully integrated into the design of Iranian carpets. Foreign motifs are artistically combined with traditional Iranian patterns, so that new motifs are created inspired by local culture and enrich the carpets visually and aesthetically.
In terms of technical features, adapted carpets include the use of native and traditional colors of Iran, which are specially coordinated with foreign designs. The warm and natural native colors of Iran are used in these carpets to match the local taste, and at the same time, modern and global techniques are also used to increase the global appeal of these carpets. In addition, the texture techniques and materials used are also of special importance. Using traditional techniques and quality materials, such as wool and silk, Iranian weavers implement adapted designs in a way that is consistent with global standards both in terms of aesthetics and durability and resistance.
In general, adapted carpets using these features not only help to preserve and promote the art of Iranian carpet weaving, but also lead to the creation of new and unique works of art that are compatible with both local traditions and global needs and tastes.
The position of adapted carpets in domestic and foreign markets
The place of adapted carpets in the domestic and foreign markets, due to the unique adaptations inspired by different cultures and arts, they play a prominent role in the global markets. These carpets, which are well able to combine traditional and modern aesthetics, are especially sought after in the domestic and foreign markets.
In the domestic market of Iran, adapted carpets have a special place due to the successful combination of traditional and modern designs. These carpets are usually well-received by Iranian consumers, especially those buyers who are looking for originality with variety and innovation. The variety of native colors and designs used in these carpets makes these carpets harmonize well with Iranian taste and interior decoration. In addition, the adapted carpets are known as examples of innovation and creativity in the art of carpet weaving in exhibitions and domestic traditional markets and help to strengthen the artistic and cultural status of Iranian carpets.
In foreign markets, adapted carpets have experienced significant success due to their compatibility with global tastes and modern design capabilities. These rugs are especially popular in countries that are interested in handicrafts and interior decoration, including Europe and North America. Adapted designs that creatively combine different motifs and colors have been able to attract the attention of international customers and have been introduced as high quality and diverse art products. In addition to aesthetics, these carpets are known as luxury and valuable goods in global markets due to the quality of the texture and materials used.
Outstanding examples of handwoven carpets with adapted designs
Outstanding examples of hand-woven carpets with an adapted design in the art of Iranian carpet weaving include the following:
Isfahan carpets: Influenced by European arts, these carpets represent the cultural interaction between Iran and the West due to their complex and ornamental patterns with vivid and varied colors.
Kerman carpets: designs adapted from Chinese art, including patterns of landscapes and Chinese flowers with warm colors, are well seen in these carpets.
Tabriz rugs: Influenced by Ottoman designs, these rugs include geometric and floral patterns with soft and attractive colors that reflect the cultural influences between Iran and the Ottomans.
Mashhad carpets: Indian motifs in these carpets, with floral and geometric designs and bright colors, show the commercial and cultural influences of Iran and India.
Kashan carpets: these carpets with contemporary and modern designs, which include the combination of traditional motifs with minimalist designs, are good examples of innovation in the art of Iranian carpet weaving.
Examples of famous roles with an adaptation plan
Gobelin flowers: French influences
Turquoise pattern: Ottoman and Chinese influences
Gold leaf pattern: Baroque influences
Lotus role: Indian influences
The role of adaptation designs in preserving and expanding the art of carpet weaving
Adapted designs in the art of Iranian carpet weaving have fundamentally helped to preserve and expand this art. By combining different cultural motifs and patterns with traditional Iranian techniques, these designs help maintain diversity and innovation in handwoven carpets and pass traditional weaving skills to future generations. In addition, adapted carpets with high adaptability and modern designs have been able to enter the global markets and attract the attention of international customers. This adaptation and innovation allows Iranian carpet weaving to be globally recognized and expanded while maintaining its cultural identity.
Challenges and criticisms related to the use of adaptive designs
The challenges and criticisms related to the use of adapted designs in the art of carpet weaving refer to various aspects including cultural, artistic and economic issues. These challenges and criticisms can have significant effects on the design and production process of carpets.
Cultural conflict: One of the major challenges is the concern of losing cultural and traditional identity in the process of adapting foreign motifs. The integration of non-native designs may lead to a change in the artistic and cultural identity of Iranian carpets, which may sometimes conflict with traditional values.
Decrease in quality: The use of adapted designs may lead to a decrease in the quality and originality of carpets, especially in some commercial productions, due to the pressure for mass production and cost reduction. This issue can be seen especially in commercial and mass production contexts, where attention to detail and precision in design execution may be reduced.
Competition with similar products: Adapted carpets inspired by global designs face fierce competition from other manufacturers in global markets. This competition may drive down prices and put pressure on manufacturers to cut costs, which can lead to lower quality and reduced profitability.
Production costs: Designing and manufacturing custom rugs may require significant investment, especially for quality raw materials and complex designs. These costs can be challenging for some small and traditional manufacturers and create limitations for development and expansion.
Artistic imitation: Some critics believe that the use of adapted designs may lead to unnecessary imitation of other cultures and diminish the originality of the art of carpet weaving. These criticisms believe that innovation in the art of carpet weaving should be based on creativity and inspiration from local cultural sources instead of imitation.
Cultural sustainability: Other critiques refer to the issue of cultural sustainability and adaptability, especially when adaptation plans are widely changing and adapting. These changes may reduce the importance and attention to traditional indigenous arts and create a shallower cultural atmosphere.
The future of adapted designs in the art of carpet weaving
The future of adapted designs in the art of carpet weaving looks bright and innovative, especially with regard to technological advances and global changes. The use of modern technologies, such as digital design and advanced software, allows designers to create complex and creative patterns with high precision. These technologies also help produce custom designs tailored to customers' specific tastes, leading to increased variety and innovation in custom carpets. In addition, the tendency to combine traditional designs with modern global patterns has helped to expand and strengthen the art of carpet weaving and makes it more attractive in international markets.
Final word
In the end, adaptation designs in Iranian carpet weaving art as a symbol of creative interaction between cultures and modern innovations have played a vital role in preserving and expanding this traditional art. These designs not only act as a means to introduce Iranian art at the global level, but also add to the variety and appeal of carpets and respond well to the changing needs of domestic and international markets. By using modern technologies and paying attention to quality and originality, the future of these designs can lead to the further strengthening and development of the art of carpet weaving, and at the same time, provide a deeper and more universal connection with the audience.
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