«Ancient» pattern in handwoven carpet

Getting to know the hand-woven carpet of the ancient design

Hand-woven carpet with an ancient design refers to carpets whose patterns and motifs are rooted in the ancient traditions and ancient cultures of Iran. These designs often include geometric, plant, animal and mythological motifs, each of which has a special symbolic meaning and is known as a reflection of the beliefs and values ​​of different historical periods of Iran. Ancient designs such as "Tranj", "Lechak" and "Batejaghe" are not only of high value in terms of aesthetics, but also carry deep concepts of Iranian culture and history. These motifs have been preserved and transmitted by Iranian artists and weavers with special precision and elegance over many centuries, and each region of Iran has displayed unique types of these ancient designs in its carpets due to its own history and traditions. Handwoven carpets with ancient design as cultural and artistic symbols have been appreciated and praised not only in Iran but all over the world and are still known as one of the most important manifestations of Iranian art and civilization.

Historical background of ancient designs in Iranian carpets

The historical background of ancient designs in Iranian carpets goes back to the ancient and influential periods of ancient Iranian civilizations, where this art was considered as one of the important pillars of the culture and art of this land. During the Achaemenid, Sasanian and Parthian periods, carpets had ancient and symbolic designs with deep cultural and religious influences. Complex geometric motifs, such as rhombus and square patterns, can be seen especially in the tiles and petroglyphs of these periods, which were later widely used in ancient Iranian carpets. Vegetal and animal designs such as lion, deer, and tree motifs, originating from Sassanid and Achaemenid era reliefs, are used in carpets as symbols of power, fertility, and nature. These motifs not only add to the beauty of the carpets but also carry deep cultural and religious meanings and express a close relationship with nature and mythological beliefs of that time. With the advent of the Islamic era, these ancient designs were skillfully combined with new patterns and Islamic concepts, but still retained their ancient spirit and essence. In general, ancient designs in Iranian carpets have acted as a treasure of Iran's cultural and historical heritage and have always represented the deep cultural traditions and values ​​of this land.

The peak of glory and the use of ancient designs in handwoven carpets

During the Achaemenid period, ancient designs in Iranian carpets reached their peak of glory. Due to the grandeur of architecture and decorative arts, this period witnessed the widespread use of geometric and naturalistic motifs, especially in inscriptions and paintings. Precise and geometric motifs, such as rhombus and square designs, which are surprisingly visible in the architecture and other arts of this period, directly influenced the design of ancient carpets.  
During the Sassanid period, these designs were completed with vivid colors and finer details. Animal motifs, such as lion and deer, and plant motifs, including complex designs with symbols of strength and fertility, were very common in carpets of this era. These motifs not only gave special beauty and splendor to the carpets, but were also considered as symbols of the political and cultural power of the Sassanids.

Patterns and symbols of handwoven carpets with ancient design

Patterns and symbols of hand-woven carpets with ancient designs widely represent the culture, religion and beliefs of ancient Iranian societies. These plans are divided into several general categories:  
Mythological and religious symbols: Many ancient carpets contain motifs that refer to the mythological and religious beliefs of their time. For example, images of lions, dragons, and mythical creatures during the Sassanid era were symbols of power and royalty, and were used as representatives of sacred and supernatural forces.  
Geometric and Decorative Designs: Complex geometric patterns, including square, rectangular and circular designs, which are woven in a precise and orderly way in the carpets, not only add to the aesthetics of the carpet, but were also considered as symbols of cosmic order and balance in nature and the world. These designs, especially seen in the carpets of Azerbaijan and Kashan regions, served as representatives of perfection and order in the universe.  
Natural and Vegetal Motifs: Designs inspired by nature, such as trees, flowers, and leaves, are widely seen in ancient rugs and were used as symbols of life, fertility, and connection to the natural world. These motifs, often woven with high precision and vivid colors, are especially prominent in Fars and Khorasan carpets.  
Animal images: Animals such as lions, chickens, and rams appear in ancient carpet patterns as symbols of strength, courage, and happiness. For example, the lion was used as a symbol of royalty and power and the chicken as a symbol of prosperity and happiness in ancient designs.  
Iconic and Cultural Designs: Specific patterns such as tang, lace, and enamel, which appear as central and marginal patterns in carpets, represent cultural and regional identity and are incorporated into ancient carpets as symbols of local traditions and values.  
Cultural roles and symbols in ancient Iranian carpets, from mythology to reality, reflect the depth of beliefs, rituals and cultural identity of ancient societies. These motifs, including images of mythological creatures such as lions and dragons, religious symbols and geometric and plant designs, are used not only as artistic decorations but also as a visual language to express the beliefs and values ​​of society. In these carpets, mythology and reality are connected and through these symbols, complex concepts such as strength, courage, fertility and connection with nature are depicted. These motifs, which are rooted in ancient myths and cultures, gradually entered people's daily lives and established their position as lasting cultural symbols in the artistic identity of ancient Iran, and their effects are still seen in contemporary art and designs.

Investigating weaving techniques and raw materials in handwoven carpets of ancient design

The examination of weaving techniques and raw materials in hand-woven carpets with ancient designs in Iran shows that this complex and precise art is based on a combination of advanced skills and the use of local natural resources. Weaving techniques such as the use of Persian and Turkish knots, each of which gives special features such as high density and durability to carpets, have been widely used in different regions of Iran. Raw materials including high-quality wool, silk and cotton threads, which were procured from local sources, were used in the weaving process and using natural dyes such as indigo, ronas and sparca, created rich and stable colors. This combination of skillful techniques and quality raw materials not only contributed to the strength and beauty of ancient carpets, but also made these carpets known as a symbol of the artistic and cultural skills of ancient Iran.

Designing and painting ancient carpets from the Achaemenid era to the Sasanian era

The comparative study of the design and coloring of ancient carpets from the Achaemenid era to the Sasanian period shows the evolution and dynamics in the art of carpet weaving in Iran during these periods. During the Achaemenid period, designs often consisted of geometric motifs and symmetrical patterns with natural and restrained colors that reflected the order and splendor of the empire. Dyeing during this period tended to mainly use natural dyes such as red, blue and yellow, which were obtained from local sources. Entering the Sasanian period, carpet designs became more complex and rich, especially with the use of mythological and animal designs that reflected Zoroastrian religious and cultural beliefs. During this period, colors became more varied and the use of vivid and brilliant colors such as gold, green and purple, which were obtained from newer and more advanced dyes, became more prominent. These developments not only showed the progress of weaving and dyeing techniques, but also reflected the cultural and artistic changes of these eras and established Iranian carpets as one of the most important artistic and cultural symbols of the ancient world.

Types of ancient designs in native Ili and rural carpets of Iran

Moose and deer motifs

Animal motifs are also one of the important elements in Ili and rural carpets. For example, designs that show animals such as deer, deer or other native animals can be seen in many Iranian carpets. These motifs usually symbolize power, protection, and blessing, and because of Eilat's close connection with nature, they have a special place in the art of carpet weaving.

Patterns of birds

Bird motifs are also very common in Ili and rural Iranian carpets. Birds such as peacocks, eagles, and smaller birds are depicted in simple and abstract forms in these carpets. These motifs often symbolize freedom, beauty, and peace.

Lion and sun motifs

Mythological and symbolic motifs also have a special place in native and Ili carpets. The "lion and sun" design is one of these motifs, which is known as a symbol of power, victory and protection. This motif is used in the carpets of many tribes and tribes of Iran, especially in Khorasan and Turkmen regions.

Patterns of the tree of life

"Tree of Life", which is one of the oldest and most authentic ancient motifs in Iranian carpets, represents the connection between earth and sky, life and immortality. This motif, widely seen in the Achaemenid and Sasanian eras, is used in handwoven carpets as a symbol of fertility and continuity of life. The Tree of Life, with its spreading branches and leaves, appears as one of the most prominent design elements in many historical and contemporary rugs.

Patterns of Iranian heroes and myths

In some ancient carpets, motifs of Iranian heroes and mythological characters such as Rostam and Sohrab can be seen. These motifs, which are directly inspired by the epic stories of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh and other Iranian literary texts, represent the strength and courage of Iranian heroes. These designs, which are accurately and in great detail depicted in ancient carpets, are recognized as part of Iran's cultural and literary heritage.

Human and religious motifs

In some Ili carpets, human motifs can also be seen, which are often woven in a simple and abstract way. These motifs may be religious symbols, national heroes or even family members. These designs show the deep connection of the tribes and nomads with their religious beliefs and cultural values.  
The indigenous and rural carpets of Iran, with their ancient and symbolic designs, represent the cultural and historical depth of these regions. These carpets with their geometric, animal, plant, mythological and symbolic motifs have been able to keep alive the spirit of ancient Iranian art and culture and pass it on to future generations. Each of these designs, in addition to beauty, carry deep messages and concepts that express the close relationship of the tribes and tribes with their nature, culture and beliefs.

Ancient carpets as a medium to transmit culture and art in ancient Iran

Ancient Iranian carpets were not only beautiful works of art, but also served as a powerful medium for the transmission of culture and art in ancient Iran. These carpets, with their complex and symbolic motifs, reflected the beliefs, rituals and cultural identity of ancient societies. Using mythological, religious, and natural motifs, each carpet depicts deep stories and concepts that reflect the values ​​and worldview of the people of that time. These works of art were not only in local environments, but also through trade and cultural exchanges, they were a message of Iranian identity and art to other regions of the world. Thus, ancient carpets as a visual media played an important role in preserving and expanding Iranian culture and art in ancient times.

Ancient designs and contemporary design

The ancient designs used in Iranian hand-woven carpets are used in advanced forms in the fields of contemporary design and interior decoration. These motifs, including complex geometric patterns, plant and animal motifs, are used especially in the design of modern and custom carpets and are known as a source of inspiration for innovative designs in luxury interior decoration projects. In contemporary designs, these designs are carefully applied, especially in hand-made and machine-made rugs, to help preserve authenticity and historical aesthetics. In addition, these motifs are used in modern decorations and interior architecture, including wall coverings, furniture and decorative accessories, to establish a connection between ancient traditions and contemporary aesthetics. These uses not only help promote and preserve cultural heritage, but are also recognized as a tool for creating original and high-quality interior spaces in modern architectural projects.

Different combinations of ancient designs in Iranian handwoven carpets in the contemporary period

The compositions of ancient designs in handwoven Iranian carpets, especially in the contemporary period, show a complex intersection of traditional design principles and modern innovations, which are manifested in contemporary geometric and shape forms. In these carpets, grids and geometric matrices are designed using precise mathematical methods and complex algorithms, which increase the accuracy in the arrangement of patterns and the coordination of colors. Contemporary changes in the scale and proportions of the patterns have also led to the reflection of modern aesthetics and added dimension and visual depth to the carpets.  
In addition, modern techniques in repeating and changing ancient patterns, such as the use of repeated micropatterns and adaptive changes in the taropod, have allowed artists to achieve contemporary and unique designs that, while respecting historical principles, can adapt to the tastes of have the modern This trend shows the continuous evolution of Iranian carpet weaving art, which has been able to harmoniously bridge between tradition and modernity and achieve innovation in the field of ancient carpet design.  
For example, in carpets that refer to Iranian myths such as "Rostam and Sohrab" or "Ki Khosro", fictional scenes are depicted using detailed and complex compositions in which mythological characters are clearly displayed with special visual effects and colors. have come In these designs, each symbol and image is placed with high precision in its specific position and scale to maintain overall harmony and visual balance.  
These mythological compositions in contemporary handwoven carpets, especially by using modern dyeing and weaving techniques, not only directly refer to cultural and historical heritage, but also creatively interact with contemporary artistic language and create works of art that are both original and They show innovation, they have helped. As a result, these carpets act as a powerful tool to preserve and transmit cultural myths and stories in a beautiful and lasting form.

Final word

In the end, hand-woven carpets with ancient designs are not only valuable works of art, but also a living document of Iranian history, culture and identity. Using complex weaving techniques, symbolic motifs and sustainable natural materials, these carpets tell stories of the past that have preserved the beliefs, traditions and beauty of the ancient world in their fabric. The continuation and revival of this art in the contemporary world, not only reminds us how these carpets have come to us as a precious heritage from previous generations, but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and expanding this original and unique art for future generations. Ancient Iranian carpets are a bridge between the past and the present, and represent the permanence of art and culture over time.

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