Persian Rugs And The Palmette
The palmette (“patterned” or “arabesque flower”) is widely known as one of the most popular Persian rug decorations
and you can find it in many rug designs around the world regardless of the country of origin. Palmettes in Lori Pambak, Bijar and Shield Kuba
or Shirvan rugs (see above) may also be related to the Italian palmette. It has been used primarily in floral style, including Tabriz, Qom, Kirman and Isfahan rugs.
The palmette is one of the most commonly used designs still used on all rugs, including Persians. The design generally takes
the shape of a freely conventionalized motif resembling a flower without being a copy of any floral species. The Palmette is alternated in
the patterns of the rug as border motifs. In Ancient Oriental art, the Palmettes that appeared also resembled a type of palm tree and derived from a lotus.
Below (left): Bricks with a Palmette Motif in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Below (right): Etruscan Terracotta Architectural Plaque with Lotus and Palmette Designs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The Palmettes used on Persian rugs now a days are a little different. Instead of being alternated and used as border motifs on rugs, the Palmette
is merely a spread and maneuvered around on the entire rug as the actual decoration. The best thing about Palmettes is the fact that no two are exactly alike.
In the below image, you can see the different ways the design motif can be rendered, all depending on aesthetics of the culture
in which it was knotted and the weaver him or herself. Below is an example of traditional designs for those wanting a fresher
interpretation of these classics.
So when you’re looking for a new rug, be sure to take a look at all of our Palmette designs that are offered to help maintain the originality of your home decor.
Leave A Comment