Persian rugs – a glossary of motifs

Descriptions of Persian rugs can sound like a foreign language. Here’s a glossary of motif terms we hope you will find useful.

Arabesque in the Persian rug
A motif consisting of intertwining vines, branches, leaves, or blossoms. These could be woven in a geometric or curvilinear pattern. The Islimi motif is a version of Arabesque.

Boteh in the Persian rug
A pear-shaped figure usually used in the field of an all-over repeat layout. There are many versions of boteh from geometric to curvilinear and simple to complex. Boteh has been thought to symbolize a leaf, a bush, a flame, or a pinecone.

Gul, Gol in the Persian rug
A motif in the shape of an octagon used in Turkoman rugs. Usually, one gul is repeated in an all-over layout.

Gul Hannai in the Persian rug
The henna flower used as a motif mainly in Persian rugs such as Farahan and Joshaghan. This motif could be used in an all-over or medallion layout. Sometimes it is arranged in a diamond format as seen in Joshaghan rugs

Herati Pattern, Fish Pattern in the Persian rug
A motif consisting of a flower inside a diamond and curving leaves outside the diamond which are parallel to each side. This motif is commonly used in the field of an all-over layout. The leaves sometimes look similar to fish. Many versions of Herati pattern exist from geometric to curvilinear and simple to complex.

Islimi Medallion-and-Corner in the Persian rug
The field of this design is covered with a motif called islimi which is based on arabesque forms (intertwining leaves, stems, vines and blossoms). Often the islimi motif is used in conjunction with the shah abbasi motif in which case the design could be called shah abbasi and islimi medallion-and-corner; the shah abbasi motif can be part of the medallion and also be seen in the field and the border.

Kalaleh in the Persian rug
Some medallion centrepieces have two small floral extensions on the top and bottom called pendants. Each pendant has two parts. Kalaleh is the Persian name for the part of the pendant furthest from the medallion.
Katibeh in the Persian rug
Some medallion centrepieces have two small floral extensions on the top and bottom called pendants. Each pendant has two parts. Katibeh is the Persian name for the part of the pendant closest to the medallion.
Moharramaat, Ghalamdaani in the Persian rug
A design consisting of vertical stripes with equal widths. Each stripe contains different or sometimes the same motifs and is a different colour from its neighbouring stripes. This design can be seen in Qum rugs.

Pendants in the Persian rug
Small floral extensio ns at the top and bottom of the medallion (centrepiece) in a medallion layout.

Shah Abbasi in the Persian rug
A group of palmettes that can be seen in all-over and medallion layouts as well as in borders. This motif is frequently seen in rugs of Kashan, Esfahan, Mashad, Nain, and in rugs of countries which copy Persian styles such as India, China and Pakistan.

Toranj in the Persian rug
The Persian name for medallion, the centrepiece in a medallion layout.

Zell-i sultan in the Persian rug
A design consisting of all-over repeating vases with floral arrangements. An example of this design can be seen in Qum rugs.

We at Karel Weijand are happy to answer any queries you may have about each of the Persian rugs we have in stock. Call us on 01252 726215, e-mail us at carpets@karelweijand.com or visit our showroom today.