There are many symbols found in antique carpets which are representative of luck, fortune, abundance, and prosperity. Here we offer a short list, and a few examples of rugs utilizing these design elements.
Herati
A pattern that derives its name from the city of Herat in Northwestern Afghanistan. It is an extremely common design found mainly on handmade carpets from Iran. It is comprised of a flower surrounded by acanthus-leaves. These leaves are sometimes called “flying fishes”, because of the similarity in shape.
The pattern is often used in designs with an all over repeated pattern, though lends itself nicely into lozenges or medallions of rugs with open fields or other simple ground layouts.
Dragon
In Chinese culture dragons are symbols of great power, good luck, and strength which dates back to at least 3000BCE. They are significantly associated with prosperity, good harvest, health, and wealth.
Many Chinese New Year celebrations begin with the dragon dance as a symbolic request for prosperity in the coming cycle.
Stars & Crosses
Stars and crosses are protective motifs, found in rugs of varying origins, which connote happiness, offer protection agains evil, catastrophes, or ill will.
Birds
Whether it’s a phoenix, an eagle, a peacock or a dove, most birds symbolize good luck, power, happiness and love. There are some birds, however, such as ravens and owls, which mean bad luck and death.
Some rugs, such as the Persian Ghashgaie, contain flocks of small birds scattered throughout what would otherwise be the negative space in a carpets design.
Pomegranate
The pomegranate with its many gem like seeds is used to portray luck in fertility and abundance, and is often displayed half open, with its seeds visible – an indication of its existence as a fruit of plenty.
The fascinating thing about the use of this fruit in woven art is that while it is is native to most Near Eastern and Mediterranean regions, it most often a feature in Central Asian rugs, such as Khotans.
Stay tuned for more descriptions and examples of further rug symbols!
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