| Kashan |
An all over
leaf and tendril design with no central focal point or medallion. The leaf and tendril
pattern is usually interconnected. |
| Tabriz |
An all over
leaf and tendril field with an elongated medallion, intricate corner motif and an
elaborate floral border. |
| Ispahan |
An all over
leaf and tendril field with a round medallion, intricate corner motif and an elaborate
floral border. |
| Bokhara |
One of the
oldest patterns in rug weaving. It consists of repeating oval medallions called gulls or
"elephant footprints", the medallions are displayed in vertical rows. |
| Herati |
An all over
pattern consisting of diamond shapes and leaves, usually without a medallion. |
| Heriz |
A strong
geometric pattern consisting of a star-burst medallion that radiates throughout the entire
field. |
| Serapi |
A geometric
pattern with a simplistic field of angular arms extending out from the medallion, over
time this pattern has evolved into the Heriz design. |
| Mir |
An all over
paisley design. This parttern is also known as a Boteh (bow-ta), the paisley design
originated in the middle east and eventually found its way to the fashion world. |
| Kerman |
A large
elaborate floral medallion, in a broad open field usually with an intricate corner motif
and border. This pattern was originally designed to address European tastes. |
| Serouk |
A pattern of
independent floral sprays, can be seen either with or without a medallion. The floral
bouquets are not connected in the rug's field. |
| Mahal |
An abstract
floral design, most of these patterns will be strong geometric and may show many
irregularities. |
| Tribal |
These are
thousands of different tribal designs, most of these patterns will be strong geometric and
may show many irregularities. |
| Prayer Rug |
A directional
pattern with a distinct top and bottom. Usually a prayer arch or mihrab is seen at the top
of the rug. Prayer pots, oil lamps and the "Tree of Life" are also common. |
| Aubusson |
A French
design consisting of a large scale floral medallion, a simplistic field, a floral corner
motif, and elaborate floral border. |
| Savonnerie |
Also a French
design, it is very similar to the Aubusson but usually much more elaborate. The terms
Savonerie and Aubusson also refer to specific types of weaving. |
| Bidjar |
An all over
herati field with a hexagonal medallion. True Persian Bidjars are also known as "The
Iron Rug of Persia" named for their legandary durability. |
