Handicraft Concerns

History and sources

An all over leaf and tendril design with no central focal point or medallion. The leaf and tendril pattern is usually interconnected.

Tabriz

An all over leaf and tendril field with an elongated medallion, intricate corner motif and an elaborate floral border.

Ispahan

An all over leaf and tendril field with a round medallion, intricate corner motif and an elaborate floral border.

Bokhara

One of the oldest patterns in rug weaving. It consists of repeating oval medallions called gulls or "elephant footprints", the medallions are displayed in vertical rows.

Herati

An all over pattern consisting of diamond shapes and leaves, usually without a medallion.

Heriz

A strong geometric pattern consisting of a star-burst medallion that radiates throughout the entire field.

Serapi

A geometric pattern with a simplistic field of angular arms extending out from the medallion, over time this pattern has evolved into the Heriz design.

Mir

An all over paisley design. This pattern is also known as a Boteh (bow-ta), the paisley design originated in the middle east and eventually found its way to the fashion world

Kerman

A large elaborate floral medallion, in a broad open field usually with an intricate corner motif and border. This pattern was originally designed to address European tastes

Serouk

A pattern of independent floral sprays, can be seen either with or without a medallion. The floral bouquets are not connected in the rug's field.

Mahal

An abstract floral design, most of these patterns will be strong geometric and may show many irregularities.

Tribal

These are thousands of different tribal designs, most of these patterns will be strong geometric and may show many irregularities.

Prayer Rug

A directional pattern with a distinct top and bottom. Usually a prayer arch or mihrab is seen at the top of the rug. Prayer pots, oil lamps and the "Tree of Life" are also common.

Aubusson

A French design consisting of a large scale floral medallion, a simplistic field, a floral corner motif, and elaborate floral border.

Savonnerie

Also a French design, it is very similar to the Aubusson but usually much more elaborate. The terms Savonerie and Aubusson also refer to specific types of weaving.

Bidjar

An all over herati field with a hexagonal medallion. True Persian Bidjars are also known as "The Iron Rug of Persia" named for their legandary durability.