«Hunting» pattern in handwoven carpet

Handmade hunting carpet

Hunting design is one of the famous and old designs in Iranian carpet weaving art, which depicts scenes of hunting wild animals by hunters on horses. These designs typically include motifs such as lions, deer, tigers, and birds fleeing from predators, and are often combined with natural scenes such as trees and plants. The design of the hunting ground represents the deep connection between man and nature and represents concepts such as power, courage and nobility. These designs, which have their roots in the Safavid era, in addition to visual beauty, carry important cultural and social meanings and have become one of the prominent symbols of Iranian carpets over the centuries.

History and origin of hunting plan

Hunting rugs, which have their roots in the Achaemenid period, have evolved throughout Iranian history by depicting hunting scenes as symbols of power and glory. In the Sasanian period, these designs were expanded in the visual arts and reached the peak of aesthetics and art in the Safavid period. The Qajar era witnessed the combination of traditional Iranian motifs with European elements, which gave more variety to hunting rugs. In the contemporary era, these designs have continued in traditional and modern form and are still known as cultural and artistic symbols of Iran, with high economic value in the world markets.

The peak of hunting carpet weaving

The peak of hunting carpet weaving dates back to the Safavid era, especially in the 16th and 17th centuries. During this period, the art of carpet weaving in Iran reached its peak and Shikargah carpets were recognized as one of the most complex and beautiful examples of this art. Under the patronage of the Safavid court, royal workshops in cities such as Isfahan, Tabriz and Kashan were engaged in the production of high-quality carpets with unique designs. The hunting rugs produced during the Safavid period were admired not only in Iran, but all over the world due to their high quality, elaborate designs and the use of expensive raw materials, and are still known as outstanding examples of Iranian carpet weaving art.  
Known for his keen interest in hunting and decorative arts, Shah Abbas I ordered hunting rugs with elaborate designs and beautiful colors to be woven for use in the royal court and hunting grounds. These carpets were recognized not only as valuable works of art but also as symbols of royal power and glory.  
Shah Abbas II continued to pay attention to this tradition and gave special orders for hunting carpets for court celebrations and parties. One of the famous stories of this period involves the large hunting ground carpets that were made to decorate the royal halls and hunting grounds. These carpets are recognized as outstanding examples of Safavid art due to their intricate designs, fine details and vivid colors.

The place of the carpet with a hunting ground design in the contemporary era

In contemporary times, carpets with a hunting pattern still have a special place in the art of carpet weaving and art markets, although their production is not as extensive as in the past. Due to their complexity and fine details, these designs are usually used in luxury and expensive rugs and are more considered as works of art or collectibles than rugs for everyday use.  
In domestic and international markets, Shikargah carpets are recognized as a symbol of Iran's rich art and culture and are still woven by skilled artisans. These carpets are kept and exhibited in museums, art exhibitions and private collections. Also, in some cases, contemporary weavers have attempted to recreate these classic designs with new styles and modern color combinations, to make them more appealing to today's tastes.  
In general, carpets with a hunting pattern have maintained their position as symbols of the greatness of Iranian carpet weaving art in the contemporary era and are still highly valued among collectors and fans of traditional Iranian art.

The design of a hunting ground in rural, nomadic and native carpets

The design of a hunting ground is displayed in rural, nomadic and native carpets, each with its own characteristics. In rural carpets, simple and functional designs based on daily life and close connection with nature are presented in symbolic form and with limited details. Nomadic carpets, with intricate and colorful designs, especially in nomadic areas, depict hunting scenes with vivid colors and decorative patterns. In native carpets, cultural and traditional designs are uniquely displayed, especially by using specific local patterns and traditional beliefs. This diversity in designs not only shows the aesthetics and art of carpet weaving, but also helps to reflect the culture and traditions of each region.

Important centers for the production of hunting carpets

Carpets with a hunting ground design were produced especially during the Safavid period in the prestigious carpet weaving areas of Iran such as Isfahan, Tabriz, Kashan, Kerman, Mashhad, Semnan and Shahrood. These areas are known as important centers for the production of hunting rugs due to their traditional weaving techniques, quality raw materials and intricate artistic designs, especially in different historical periods. The carpets produced in these areas with beautiful designs and the use of natural colors have a high value and reputation not only in domestic markets, but also in international markets.

Design differences in different regions

The design of the hunting ground in the carpets of different regions of Iran is known for its unique features. In Isfahan, the designs depict hunting scenes with rich colors and natural landscapes with artistic precision and intricate detail. In Tabriz, designs stand out due to the use of vivid colors and emphasis on royal splendor. Kerman carpets are more simple and natural with hunting motifs and soft colors. In nomadic areas, designs are known for their complexity and vivid colors with specific indigenous cultural influences, while rural rugs are generally simpler and more functional, with symbolic designs and natural colors. These differences show the cultural and artistic diversity of Iranian hunting carpets and add to the richness of the cultural heritage of this country.

Changes in the design of the hunting ground in the Qajar period until today

During the Qajar era, the kings and the Qajar court paid special attention to hunting to show their power and authority. In particular, they created fenced and protected hunting grounds for themselves, where animals were quickly trapped and hunted. These activities were used not only as entertainment and a symbol of power, but also as a kind of royal and symbolic display.  
During this period, the role of hunting grounds and hunting scenes in Iranian carpets gained special value and importance. These carpets were artistically designed to depict the magnificence of kings and courts and were used as a symbol of strength and courage.  
But with the passage of time, the quality of hunting and related designs have experienced changes. The designs of the hunting ground, which reached its peak in the Qajar period, gradually underwent changes. Contemporary hunting rugs, especially due to changes in raw materials, weaving techniques and new tastes, may not be of the same precision and quality as Qajar period designs. These variations, especially in contemporary designs, may appear less similar and less artistic than the original designs, which contained realistic, detailed hunting scenes.  
These differences and the reduction of quality in the designs represent the changes that have occurred over time in the culture and art of carpet weaving. While hunting rugs continue to be valued as works of art and collectibles, changes in design and production techniques reflect changes in market tastes and needs.

Types of hunting plans

Iranian hunting carpets, especially in different historical eras, reflect different aspects of culture and art due to the variety and complexity of designs. These plans include different types, each of which has its own characteristics and meanings:  
Realistic designs  
Detailed Description of Hunting Scenes: These designs include detailed depictions of hunting scenes with realistic depictions of animals and hunters. In these drawings, detailed details such as the movements of hunters, the behavior of wild animals and natural landscapes are realistically depicted. The use of natural colors, different textures, and attention to fine details make these designs very artistically valuable. An example of these designs can be seen in the carpets of the Safavid period.  
Decorative and abstract designs  
Abstraction and abstraction: These designs focus more on decorative and abstract aspects and may use decorative patterns and motifs instead of accurately depicting hunting scenes. Vivid colors and complex designs are used as artistic embellishments without focusing on reality. These designs can be seen in contemporary carpets as well as in some carpets of the Qajar era.  
Royal and symbolic designs  
Display of power and glory: These designs usually include images of kings and nobles hunting in luxurious and special environments. In these carpets, fenced hunting grounds and royal environments are depicted as symbols of the power and majesty of the monarchy. Qajar carpets are especially famous for such designs.  
Traditional and ethnic designs  
Local and ethnic examples: These designs represent the local traditions and cultures of each region and may include images of hunting in a specific local or ethnic style. The use of traditional patterns and colors and local weaving techniques, especially in carpets produced in different regions of Iran. , including Kerman and Kashan, can be seen.  
Mixed designs  
Combination of different styles: In these designs, different elements of hunting designs are combined with each other to create new and innovative designs. These designs may include combinations of realism, abstract ornamentation, and royal symbols. These types of designs can be seen especially in contemporary and modern carpets.

Examples of famous carpets with a hunting design

Shah Abbas hunting carpet  
This famous carpet is known as one of the best examples of Safavid hunting carpet. Realistic designs of hunting scenes, including hunters and wild animals in natural landscapes, are depicted with high precision. This carpet has been exhibited in various museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of New York.  
Shekargah carpet of Tabriz  
This carpet, which belongs to the Qajar period, depicts royal and symbolic designs with images of fenced hunting grounds and royal hunts. Rich colors and intricate designs make this rug one of the outstanding works of art.  
Kashan hunting ground carpet  
Kashan hunting carpets are known especially during the Safavid era with complex designs and the use of natural colors. These rugs usually include hunting scenes and beautiful natural landscapes.  
Kerman hunting ground carpet  
Kerman hunting rugs are known for their traditional techniques and artistic designs, especially with images of hunting and wild animals in natural environments.

Symbology of hunting plots

In Iranian hunting carpets, the symbolism and semantics of the motifs are deeply related to culture, history and social beliefs. These motifs display special meanings as images of strength, courage and natural beauty.  
A symbol of power and royalty  
A symbol of beauty and nature  
A symbol of courage and honor  
Hunters: In hunting rugs, hunters are usually depicted as symbols of power and royalty. The representation of hunters hunting wild animals shows their dominance and authority and serves as a symbol of royalty and individual and group capabilities.  
Hunting animals: Animals such as lions, tigers and deer depicted in hunting scenes are symbols of strength and courage. The hunting of these animals in the design of carpets, especially in the royal era, shows the skill and courage of the hunters.  
Natural landscapes: Hunting motifs often include natural landscapes such as trees, flowers, and rivers, which are depicted as symbols of the beauty and splendor of nature. These natural elements blend well with hunting scenes and represent the interaction of man with nature.  
The environment of the fenced hunting grounds: the designs of the fenced hunting grounds, which are especially observed during the Qajar era, display the symbols of protection and security. These designs show the royal power and the special facilities that the court provided for hunting.  
Hunting scenes: Images of hunting in progress, especially when the hunters are depicted as victorious, symbolize courage and honor. These scenes, especially in historical times, were considered as royal and honorable performances.

The composition of the design of the hunting ground

The composition of hunting design in Iranian carpets, especially in different historical periods, includes complex details that add to the beauty and depth of this art. This composition generally consists of different elements, each of which has a special role in creating the final image.  
Central scenes  
At the heart of hunting scenes are hunting scenes, usually depicting hunters hunting wild animals such as lions, tigers, and deer. These scenes may be detailed and realistic or symbolically designed.  
Hunters are usually depicted as the main characters of the design, in royal clothing and hunting gear, interacting with animals. Animals are also designed in detail.  
Elements of nature and environment  
Hunting scenes often include natural scenery such as trees, mountains, rivers, and meadows that serve as backdrops for hunting scenes. These elements add more beauty and reality to hunting scenes.  
Designs of fenced hunting grounds or special hunting grounds, especially in the Qajar period, are depicted as a sign of power and royalty. These environments may include walls, towers, and fences that trap animals.  
Decorative details  
All around there are hunting designs, borders and special decorations that help to complete the composition and overall beauty of the carpet. These borders usually include geometric patterns, flowers, and traditional motifs.  
Small details such as the movements of hunters, different poses of animals, and natural effects (such as weather) add depth and realism to hunting designs.  
Color combination  
The use of natural and vivid colors, such as different greens for vegetation, browns for soil and trees, and warm colors for hunters and animals, gives hunting grounds designs a sense of reality and life. The color contrast between hunters and animals, and the harmony of colors in the background and borders, act as important factors in drawing attention and creating visual balance in hunting rugs.  
Texture patterns and structures  
Various textures such as mixed knots, and the use of silk and wool yarns are used to create different textures and accentuate the details of the hunting designs. The use of geometric structures in the designs is very important to create order and symmetry in the designs of hunting grounds. These structures help create visual balance and harmony throughout the design.  
The composition of the design of the hunting ground in Iranian carpets includes a set of key elements that are harmoniously and artistically placed next to each other. From hunting scenes and natural environments to decorative details and color combinations, each element is uniquely effective in creating the final image and aesthetics of hunting rugs. These compositions, as examples of Iranian art and culture, well represent the historical and cultural influences in the design of carpets.

final word

As prominent examples of Iranian carpet weaving art, the carpets with hunting design represent the intersection of art, culture and history. By showing hunting scenes, natural landscapes and decorative details, these works of art not only depict the beauty and skills of Iranian artists, but also tell various historical and cultural stories. From ancient times to modern times, these carpets have well reflected cultural changes and developments and have preserved their artistic and historical values ​​as cultural treasures. Studying and analyzing these carpets allows us to have a deeper understanding of human interactions with nature and symbols of power in different historical periods and to better understand their importance in preserving and promoting Iranian cultural and artistic heritage.

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