A study on Paisley Motif in Iranian Carpet

Paisley (buta-Jeghe) a motif which has been applied in Iran’s carpets in Islamic era. The history of using this pattern in Iran’s art has always been a controversial issue. Some think of it as a motif belonging to Pre-Islamic decorations such as cedar or pattern of animal wings of the Sassanid era. Meanwhile, others see it as a motif which was imported by one of the cashmere shawls from India into the Iranian art. Paisley pattern is highly considered among Iranian weavers. It has decorated the carpets and rugs of many Iranian cities. It has also been used in hand-woven products of Fars nomads more than carpets of Qashqai and Bolvardi nomads. It has also been welcomed and spread among carpets of other regions like Bijar, Hamadan, Kurds of West of Iran and also hand weavings of Turkaman Nomads. Regarding paisley motif, More than 70 categories had been reported while only about twenty groups had been cited with precise names among different references. Due to the diversity and extent of its types in each group, one can find tens of its various samples. The usage of Paisley motif has not only been for decoration, but also as a foundation for shaping some carpet designs.