Persian rug patterns are deeply rooted in history and known for beautiful designs that tell stories of culture and tradition. Modern pattern making still takes influence from traditional textile creations that are still being made in Iran.

We’ll explore

  • The historical relevance of Persian rug patterns
  • Key features of Persian patterns and variations
  • The symbolic meaning & motifs in Persian rug design 

At KnotNCo our family run business is passionate about the hand made craftsmanship of Persian rugs in Sydney, which are ethically sourced from artisans directly.

The Historical Significance of Persian Rugs

Persian rug weaving has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and the earliest known Persian rug is the Pazyryk rug discovered in Siberia, which dates back to the 5th century BCE.

The art of crafting Persian rugs is incredibly ancient and has changed and evolved through cross cultural interactions creating a wide range of themes and designs.

Persian rug patterns have a long history and were influenced by a wide number of civilisations such as the Islamic empire, Achaemenids and the Sassanids. 

The patterns act as a visual story guide into Persian culture, beliefs and frequently narrate tales of paradise gardens, mythological creatures and royal courts.

What key features make the Persian rug patterns stand out?

Persian rug designs are distinguished by their colourful palettes which are coordinated by similar and contrasting tones, and distinguishing details and symbols like specific pattern types. 

The highlight pattern features of these rugs include;

- Designs : 

These intricate designs have hundreds of knots, are complex and often very symmetrical. 

Often portrayed by diamond, curved or varied shapes that may be specific to certain tribes, and can incorporate certain colours based on the pattern type. 

For example a certain type of floral design may be represented with red only so that distinguishing features stands out and can vary.

- Rich Colour Schemes : 

For any traditional Persian rug the dyes are sourced from natural pigments which come from different types of plants and natural Earth minerals, which are incredibly long lasting and keep their vibrancy. 

The dying process is completed by artisan dyers who have trained for many years to achieve this.

High Quality Materials :

A true Persian rug is made from natural fabric textiles like fine wool, silk and cotton. Non authentic Persian rugs are made from imitation and synthetic materials.

Symbolic Motifs : 

Every section of a Persian rug has a symbolic meaning, ranging from ancient meanings and the area in which it was made to more modern undertakings, such as for protection or longevity.

Read more about what are Persian rugs made of at our website.

Persian Rug Pattern Styles & Symbolic Meaning

Each rug pattern is completely unique and is highly diverse in style, based on the different regions and areas each rug is produced in. 

At Knot n Co we source our rugs directly from the artisans located in Afghanistan, Pakistan and India and Kashmir regions, to ensure our collection is hand made authentically.

The most well known patterns include :

Gabbeh Pattern


A Gabbeh rug is known for tribal and abstract designs and comes from Qashqai, Bakhtiari and Luri nomadic tribes in Iran, which depicts simple human or animal images representing a nomadic way of life. 

Gabbeh means “gava”, meaning unclipped, raw or uncut, reflective also in the coarse weave and primitively styled rug.


Tabriz

A Tabriz rug type of pattern is known for floral and medallion motifs, featuring hunting scenes or lyrical poetry with, also with a mix of different pattern combinations.

Made in the city of Tabriz, Iran, and is a well known place where most Persian rugs are created. 


Kashan Pattern

Kashan rugs stand out with their vibrant red hues and central medallion motifs, with elaborate flower patterns that symbolise paradise gardens

Crafted and handwoven in the Kashan, in the Isfahan province of Iran.


Heriz

Heriz rugs are highly durable and bold in geometric designs, with a medallion at the heart of the pattern. 

This type of Persian rug is produced in the Heris region in Mount Sabalan, northwest of Iran. Its patterns and symbols represent luck, protection and love


Herati Motifs

Herati rug patterns represent fish and water lilies or elements of paradise, featuring a rosette in the heart of a diamond, which is often surrounded by curved leaves. 

It comes from the Herat region in North west Afghanistan, symbolising elegance and finesse. 


Baluchi Patterns

Baluchi rugs originate from the bordering areas of Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan from the Baluchistan region.

This type of patterning consists of deep earth tones, with white, yellow or orange for contrast. With motifs of trees, diamond latched hooks, medallions and varied geometric shapes. Baluchi rugs were traditionally used for prayer, and for bed coverings.


Bakhtiari

Bakhtiari rugs have garden styled patterns, animals and floral elements, each section of the rug is spaced out in smaller rectangles.

Originally crafted by the Bakhtiari nomadic tribe in the mountain regions of Iran, symbolising a connection to nature.


Hamadan Rugs

Hamadan rugs are completely hand woven with a singular weft, which is a single yarn that is pulled horizontally through the warp that is pulled vertically creating a beautifully thin structure without the bulkiness of double weave.

The key features of a Hamadan rug pattern include geometric shapes, floral and central medallions. 

Crafted from hand dyed wool, with beautiful and distinct red colouring and warm hues. Typically made for decorative purposes, and often representative of ancient palace grounds of Persia or forest areas.

 
Nain Patterns

Nain rugs are highly detailed with naturalistic patterning, often featuring animals, trees or flowers, with colour variations are a very soft palette ranging from burgundy, navy blue, light beige and green.

They are hand crafted from a blend of silk and wool and the threads, and are much finer than most Persian rugs due to the blend of silk being a much finer natural material.

Nain patterns symbolise unity and beauty from the central medallion emanating from the middle of the rug outwards to the other designs. 


Boteh Patterning

‘Boteh’ comes from a Persian word meaning a bush or shrub. Often referred to as a paisley design (an ornamental textile design), the boteh pattern symbolises life and immortality by depicting a cypress or floral spray. The shapes include tear drop patterning with a slightly curved end.

Knot n’ Co’s Persian Rug Collection

At Knot n’ Co, our collection of rugs features artisanally sourced handmade rugs in Australia, with a wide variety of patterns that tell ancient stories with symbolic meaning. 

We source directly from artists to cut out the middle person so we can offer more affordable pricing as well as buying directly from the artists. 

By honoring the traditional handmade process of each rug, you can add truly unique and one of a kind pieces to the spaces in your home.

Explore our large selection and discover Persian rugs today.