Understanding Symbolism in Persian & Other Antique Rugs

Key Takeaways

• Many people don’t understand the difference between Persian, Turkish, Moroccan, Oriental, and Kilim rugs, even though they come from distinct cultural traditions.
• Because weaving was often used as a means of storytelling in these cultures, the motifs, symbols, and colors of these pieces are essential to understanding their history and traditions.
• Read this guide to discover historical, cultural, and regional insights that can help you interpret the rug motifs on your favorite pieces.

Persian Rug Meanings

Experts in the antique rug world believe that the differences among Persian, Oriental, Moroccan, Turkish, and Kilim rugs are readily apparent. The experienced eye recognizes factory-made styles, vintage carpets, Oriental area rugs, and antique Persian rugs as distinct. More importantly, rug experts honor the traditions behind the creation of these rugs, passing down our understanding of rug meanings and symbolism to the average person.

While you may not see the differences right away, we’d love to share our knowledge of rug symbolism and the variety of Turkish, Moroccan, and Persian rug meanings that may enrich your life through stunning home decor. Allow these square Oriental rugs to tell their story, revealing unique cultural insights and traditions.

Rug Design Components

Depending on the variety of rug design components, rug specialists can determine the origin of a specific piece, including the country or even city of provenance. So what defines rug meanings? Which design components matter most? Take a look at some Oriental rug definitions to learn more:

• Borders: A rug typically features two borders, including the main border and the guard border. The main border is the widest area of the design situated on the outside of the rug, while the guard border is a narrow band inside the main border.

• Field: The field is essential to rug symbolism, as it represents the colorful background within the borders. It often contains patterned motifs that depict the most important elements of a particular culture.

• Medallion: This part of the rug design is a central shape that can range from round or oval to polygonal. Many people assume that the medallion is only used in Persian rug meanings, but medallions are common among a variety of other handmade Oriental rugs.

• Corner Brackets & Spandrels: You’ll find these embellished designs in the corner of Persian carpets, Turkish carpets, and many other traditional, handwoven pieces.

Many rugs consist of all-over patterns, known as motifs. However, some rugs will feature a central medallion around which the rest of the rug is designed. The medallion design is especially common in Persian rug motifs.

Your Guide to Antique Rugs

The origin of a rug is typically in its name. Moroccan rugs originate from Morocco, while Turkish Oushak carpets are produced in specific regions of Turkey. However, there is a blanket term that is often used to describe pieces that may or may not originate from the Orient region: Oriental rugs. While most rug symbolism and motifs will indicate a specific locale, sometimes, the design isn’t so clear. For these rugs, the Oriental rug definition is the correct term.

A Famous Subset of Oriental Rugs

The Oriental title can be applied to any rug produced in Asia, often spanning through India, the Middle East, and China. However, this term can also be applied to hand-knotted rugs that hail from Iran, Nepal, Tibet, and Pakistan.

The most famous subset of Oriental rugs is the Persian rug. Often considered the grande dame, the queen mother, they are the standard by which other rugs are measured. While all Persian rugs are Oriental rugs, not all Oriental rugs are Persian, so they will have unique styles and motifs from Persian rug meanings.

Symbols in Oriental Rugs

Colors play a significant role in conveying the story and origin of a rug. Some regions prefer to infuse their designs with intense colors, while others opt for subtle hues, similar to vintage Scandinavian rugs. 

Colors contribute to rug meanings, as well as enhancing their design. Colors important in rug symbolism include:

• Red: Wealth, Courage, Beauty, Luck, Joy, Faith, Protection, Strength
• White: Purity; Mourning or Death in Some Contexts
• Blue: Solitude, Truth, the Afterlife, Wisdom
• Black: Mourning, Destruction, Strength, Power
• Brown: Fertility
• Yellow: Power, Glory, the Sun, Eternity
• Orange: Devotion, Humility, Piety
• Green: Peace, Hope, Renewal, Spring

Oriental and Persian rug meanings are also defined by their unique motifs. Here are a few Oriental rug definitions from across a variety of regions:

• Ram Horns: Male Fertility, Strength, Bravery
• Herati: Floral Persian Rug Motifs with Mahi Flowers, Fish
• Boteh: Seed of Life, Fertility, Eternal Life
• Hands on Hips: Anatolian Symbol of the Mother Goddess, Fertility, Abundance
• Tree of Life: Immortality, Hope, Heaven, Eternal Paradise
• Dragon: Power, Wisdom, Good Fortune, Guardians, Protection
• Stars or Crosses: Protection, Blessings, Good Fortune
• Camels: Endurance, Strength, Blessings
• Peony: Wealth, Rank, Power
• Lotus: Immortality, Rebirth
• Lily: Spirituality, Purity
• Ying Yang: Balance, Harmony
• Triangular Amulets: Protection From Evil Spirits
• Phoenix, Eagle, Dove, Peacock: Good Luck, Power, Happiness, Love
• Dog: Protection, Trust, Defense
• Mihrab: Gateway to Paradise

These Oriental rug definitions and Persian rug meanings should help you spot motifs in your own pieces to reveal their true story.

Persian Rugs: The Finest of All

Persian rug meanings are passed down from generation to generation, often considered trademarks. Each style of Persian rug is named for the town or province in which it was made or after tribal groups, and each has distinguishing features, like natural dyes, weaving style, and tribal materials. Furthermore, Persian rug motifs often represented historical monuments, scenes from daily life, and religious imagery.

Persian rug meanings feature four distinct all-over patterns, or motifs, including:

1. Herati: This pattern originates from the town of Herat, now known as Afghanistan. It consists of a diamond framework and a single floral head, surrounded by outwardly curling acanthus leaves. Sometimes it is referred to as Mahi, the Persian word for fish, because the leaves resemble a fish shape.

2. Boteh: Boteh is one of the most commonly found Oriental carpet patterns. It is recognizable because of its resemblance to a paisley pattern. With its pear-shaped figure and an extending arch of flowers, it symbolizes the Garden of Paradise.

3. Vase: This pattern name refers to rugs that incorporate a vase or group of vases in their design. Typically, the vase resembles a Grecian urn, with or without handles.

4. Shah Abbasi Palmette: A lotus style bloom with a rosette of overlapped petals, this Persian rug motif is dedicated to the dynasty of Shah Abbas. This ruler revitalized the Persian dynasty, ruling from 1588 to 1629. He was a patron of carpet artisans, encouraging skilled craftspeople to move to Isfahan, where he established formal weaving shops.

Symbols in Persian Rugs

Some symbols that are specific to Persian rug meanings include:

• Lions: Bravery
• Cypress Trees: Life After Death, Eternity
• Peacocks: Good Fortune
• Pomegranates: Fertility, Abundance, Prosperity

Turkish Rugs

Turkish carpets have been highly prized since the 13th century, considered collectible works of art. Despite being handmade by nomadic tribes and mountain-dwellers, the artistry, luxurious texture, and ornate styling speak to the opulence and wealth of the Ottoman Empire. Palaces during the Ottoman reign were heavily laden with luxurious commissioned rugs. A unique element of Turkish rugs is that each was typically accompanied by a miniature version called a yastik. The yastik would have been folded to make a pillow or draped over sofas.

Kilim and Oushak are among the most popular types of Turkish rugs. Kilim rugs were produced by migrating nomads, called “Yürüks,” who traveled through the regions of Anatolia, the Balkans, and parts of Iran. Their rugs are typically made with goat hair, which is stiffer than sheep’s wool, to ensure a waterproof tent. Some kilims were made as prayer rugs, which are smaller and designed to include the recognizable architectural feature, the Mihrab. Kilims feature bright colors and tapestry-like textures.

Oushak rugs originate in Uşak, Turkey. They’re recognizable for their large scale and feature lustrous wool and silk with muted earth tones, such as cinnamon, saffron, green, ivory, and gray. Usually, they have geometric designs throughout or surrounding a central medallion. 

Some common rug meanings of Turkish rugs include:

• Plane Tree: Garden of Eden
• Ram’s Horn: Strength, Masculinity, Fertility, and Protection
• Fruits: Fertility
• Six or Eight Pointed Stars: Jewels of Mohammed
• Eye: Wards Off Evil

Many Turkish symbols overlap with Persian rug meanings.

Moroccan Rugs

Moroccan rugs evoke a rich and fascinating culture, blending Islamic culture and African heritage in a riot of chaotic colors and bold designs. Dating back just to the 20th century, Moroccan rugs feature more contemporary designs than their Oriental counterparts. Although some Moroccan rugs feature a flatweave, many are crafted by Berber tribes whose weaving techniques vary by region and climate. Mountain communities often produce thick, high-pile rugs for warmth, while desert weavers create thinner, lighter textiles better suited to the heat.

Some common symbols and motifs found in Moroccan rugs include:

• Goz: Concentric Diamond or Diamond Filled With Tiny Cross Motifs
• Diamonds: Harmony Between Man & Woman, Femininity, Fertility, Protection
• Snake: Angular Zigzag Lines; Masculinity, Protection
• Crab or Spider: Sun’s Rays, Weaving, Protection 

There are also overlaps between Persian rug meanings and Turkish rug symbolism, including the Oriental rug definitions attributed to birds (Happiness), crosses (Faith), and lions (Power).

Cultivate Knowledge & Beauty at Esmaili Rugs

As you can see, Oriental and Persian rug meanings are deeply significant to those involved in the crafting process. The symbols, motifs, and arrangements weave a rich tapestry of stories from the long-ago dreams of the people who made them. Each piece is unique, adding to the rug’s meaning and value.

If you’re unsure of your rug’s provenance, the team at Esmaili Rugs can help. Arrange for an Oriental rug appraisal to determine the origin, rug symbolism, and weaving style of your piece. We also encourage you to discuss restoration and Oriental rug repair with our experts to revitalize and enhance older pieces.