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Persian architectural details.

Persian Architecture

Persian architectural details.

Doorway at Persepolis.

Persian Architecture

Doorway at Persepolis.

Architrave and cornice from a Persian tomb.

Persian Architecture

Architrave and cornice from a Persian tomb.

Persian stair parapet.

Persian Architecture

Persian stair parapet.

Column base at Persepolis.

Persian Architecture

Column base at Persepolis.

Persian rossete and palm motive.

Persian Ornament

Persian rossete and palm motive.

Volutes of a capital at Persepolis.

Persian Architecture

Volutes of a capital at Persepolis.

Darius, the Persian king. Above, the symbol of Ormuzd.

Darius

Darius, the Persian king. Above, the symbol of Ormuzd.

"The Age of Pericles. The interval of about fifty years between the close of the Persian and the beginning of the Peloponnesian war has been called the Age of Pericles, -a somewhat misleading term, as Pericles was at the head of Athenian affairs for only twenty years (449-429 B.C.). But he was the most brilliant statesman that Athens produced during that period, and his work is so closely indentified with the greatness of the city that it is not strange that his name has been given to the period."—Colby, 1899

Pericles

"The Age of Pericles. The interval of about fifty years between the close of the Persian and the beginning…

"Persian and Egyptian Armlets."-Whitney, 1902

Armlet

"Persian and Egyptian Armlets."-Whitney, 1902

"The Eagle is an emblem in heraldry, war, and legend. The eagle, borne upon a spear, was used by the Persians as a standard in the battle of Cunaxa, B. C. 401. The Romans used eagles of silver, or more rarely of gold, carried in the same way as standards. The Napoleon dynasty of France also adopted the eagle as their symbol. A double-headed eagle is the emblem of Russia, Austria, and Prussia."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

German Eagle

"The Eagle is an emblem in heraldry, war, and legend. The eagle, borne upon a spear, was used by the…

"The Eagle is an emblem in heraldry, war, and legend. The eagle, borne upon a spear, was used by the Persians as a standard in the battle of Cunaxa, B. C. 401. The Romans used eagles of silver, or more rarely of gold, carried in the same way as standards. The Napoleon dynasty of France also adopted the eagle as their symbol. A double-headed eagle is the emblem of Russia, Austria, and Prussia."—(Charles Leonard-Stuart, 1911)

French Eagle

"The Eagle is an emblem in heraldry, war, and legend. The eagle, borne upon a spear, was used by the…

"A Persian sword, whence Horace speaks of the <em>Medus acinaces.</em> The acinaces was a short and straight weapon; and thus differed from the Roman <em>sica,</em> which was curved. It was worn on the right side of the body, whereas the Greeks and Romans usually had their swords suspended on the left side. The form of the acinaces, with the mode of wearing it, is illustrated by the by the following Persepolitan figures." &mdash; Smith, 1873

Acinaces

"A Persian sword, whence Horace speaks of the Medus acinaces. The acinaces was a short and…

"Gold appears not to have been coined at Athens till the time of the Macedonian empire, with the exception a solitary issue of a debased coinage in 407. But from a very early period the Asian nations, and he Greek cities of Asia Minor and the adjacent islands, possessed a gold coinage, which was more or less current in Greece. Herodotus says that the Lydians were the first who coined gold; and the stater of Croesus appears to have been the earliest gold coin known to the Greeks. The dario was a Persian coin. Staters of Cyzicus and Phocaea had a considerable currency in Greece. There was a gold coinage in Samos as early as the time of Polycrates." &mdash; Smith, 1873

Aurum

"Gold appears not to have been coined at Athens till the time of the Macedonian empire, with the exception…

"A robe worn by the Medes and Persians over their trowsers and other garments. It had wide sleeves, and was made of woollen cloth, which was either purple or of some other splendid colour. In the Persepolitan sculptres, from which the annexed figures are taken, nearly all the principal personages wear it." &mdash; Smith, 1873;

Candys

"A robe worn by the Medes and Persians over their trowsers and other garments. It had wide sleeves,…

"The first public monuments that arose after the Persian wars were erected under the auspices of Cimon, who was, like Pericles, a lover and patron of the arts. The principal of these were the small Ionic temple of Nike Apteros (Wingless Victory), and the Theseum, or Temple of Theseus. The temple of Nike Apteros was only 27 feet in length by 18 in breadth, and was erected on the Acropolis in commemoration of Cimon's victory at the Eurymedon." &mdash; Smith, 1882

Temple of Nike Apteros

"The first public monuments that arose after the Persian wars were erected under the auspices of Cimon,…

"The first writer who deserves the name of a historian is Herodotus, hence called the Father of History. Herodotus was born in the Dorian colony of Halicarnassus in Caria, in the year 484 B.C., and accordingly about the time of the Persian expeditions to Greece." &mdash; Smith, 1882

Bust of Herodotus

"The first writer who deserves the name of a historian is Herodotus, hence called the Father of History.…

"Tiara or Tiaras, a hat with a large high crown. This was the head-dress which characterized the north-western Asiatics, and more especially the Armenians, Parthians, and Persians, as distinguished from the Greeks and Romans, whose hats fitted the head, or had only a low crown. The king of Persia wore an erect tiara, whilst those of his subjects were soft and flexible, falling on one side. The Persian name for this regal head-dress was cidaris. " &mdash Smith; 1873

Tiara

"Tiara or Tiaras, a hat with a large high crown. This was the head-dress which characterized the north-western…

"Tunica, an under-garment. Greek. The chiton was the only kind of under-garment, worn by the Greeks. Of this there were two kinds, the Dorian and Ionian. The Dorian chiton, as worn by males, was a short woollen shirt, without sleeves; the Ionian was a long linen garment, with sleeves. The former seems to have been originally worn throughout the whole Greece; the latter was brought over to Greece by the Ionians of Asia. The Ionic chiton was commonly worn at Athens by men during the Persian wars, but it appears to have entirely gone out of fashion for the male sex about the time of Pericles, from which time the Dorian chiton was the under-garment universally adopted by men through the whole of Greece." &mdash; Smith; 1873

Tunica

"Tunica, an under-garment. Greek. The chiton was the only kind of under-garment, worn by the Greeks.…

"Tunica, an under-garment. Greek. The chiton was the only kind of under-garment, worn by the Greeks. Of this there were two kinds, the Dorian and Ionian. The Dorian chiton, as worn by males, was a short woollen shirt, without sleeves; the Ionian was a long linen garment, with sleeves. The former seems to have been originally worn throughout the whole Greece; the latter was brought over to Greece by the Ionians of Asia. The Ionic chiton was commonly worn at Athens by men during the Persian wars, but it appears to have entirely gone out of fashion for the male sex about the time of Pericles, from which time the Dorian chiton was the under-garment universally adopted by men through the whole of Greece." &mdash; Smith; 1873

Tunica

"Tunica, an under-garment. Greek. The chiton was the only kind of under-garment, worn by the Greeks.…

"Tunica, an under-garment. Greek. The chiton was the only kind of under-garment, worn by the Greeks. Of this there were two kinds, the Dorian and Ionian. The Dorian chiton, as worn by males, was a short woollen shirt, without sleeves; the Ionian was a long linen garment, with sleeves. The former seems to have been originally worn throughout the whole Greece; the latter was brought over to Greece by the Ionians of Asia. The Ionic chiton was commonly worn at Athens by men during the Persian wars, but it appears to have entirely gone out of fashion for the male sex about the time of Pericles, from which time the Dorian chiton was the under-garment universally adopted by men through the whole of Greece." &mdash; Smith; 1873

Tunica

"Tunica, an under-garment. Greek. The chiton was the only kind of under-garment, worn by the Greeks.…

"The Persian King" &mdash; Morey, 1903

Persian King

"The Persian King" — Morey, 1903

An antique Kerman Rug, representing tree of life and the conflict between evil and good.

Kerman Rug

An antique Kerman Rug, representing tree of life and the conflict between evil and good.

The Caucasian Border Design. So called by the author because it is seldom found in any but the Caucasian fabrics. It is a sort of an S-shaped arrangement of the latch hook design.

Caucasian Border Design

The Caucasian Border Design. So called by the author because it is seldom found in any but the Caucasian…

The Caucasian Border Design. So called by the author because it is seldom found in any but the Caucasian fabrics. It is a sort of an S-shaped arrangement of the latch hook design.

Caucasian Border Design

The Caucasian Border Design. So called by the author because it is seldom found in any but the Caucasian…

The Caucasian Border Design. So called by the author because it is seldom found in any but the Caucasian fabrics. It is a sort of an S-shaped arrangement of the latch hook design.

Caucasian Border Design

The Caucasian Border Design. So called by the author because it is seldom found in any but the Caucasian…

The Chichi Border Design. Usually consists of an eight-petaled flower arranged on the alternate steps of the Greek meander. It is seldom found in any rugs but the Tchetchen.

Chichi Border Design

The Chichi Border Design. Usually consists of an eight-petaled flower arranged on the alternate steps…

Chinese Fret, Greek Fret, and Greek Key border designs. This is suggested by the overlapping of the sea waves. It is commonly found in the borders of the Samarkand, Kashgar, Yarkand, Beluchistan, and nearly all of the Chinese products.

Fret and Key

Chinese Fret, Greek Fret, and Greek Key border designs. This is suggested by the overlapping of the…

Chinese Fret, Greek Fret, and Greek Key border designs. This is suggested by the overlapping of the sea waves. It is commonly found in the borders of the Samarkand, Kashgar, Yarkand, Beluchistan, and nearly all of the Chinese products.

Fret and Key

Chinese Fret, Greek Fret, and Greek Key border designs. This is suggested by the overlapping of the…

An emblem of the Mohammedan faith to remind the devout that cleanliness is next to godliness. For this reason it appears in its various forms near the niche of many prayer rugs, especially in the Daghestans.

Comb Design

An emblem of the Mohammedan faith to remind the devout that cleanliness is next to godliness. For this…

An emblem of the Mohammedan faith to remind the devout that cleanliness is next to godliness. For this reason it appears in its various forms near the niche of many prayer rugs, especially in the Daghestans.

Comb Design

An emblem of the Mohammedan faith to remind the devout that cleanliness is next to godliness. For this…

A border design having the appearance of a series of crabs with their claws extended. Very common in the Caucasian fabrics, especially the Kazaks.

Crab Design

A border design having the appearance of a series of crabs with their claws extended. Very common in…

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in the old city of Herat. It consists of a rosette between two lancet-shaped leaves which very much resemble fish. On account of this resemblance it is often called the fish pattern. It has been utilized with many modifications in half of the rug-making sections of the Orient. It may be found in its original form in many of the Persian fabrics, especially the Herat, the Feraghan, the Khorasan, and the Senna. When in the body of the rug it is generally arranged as a diaper, covering all or a considerable portion of it. Sometimes it appears in combination with square or diamond-shaped figures. The Herati border is found in a great many of the Persian and in some of the Caucasian fabrics.

Herati Design

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in…

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in the old city of Herat. It consists of a rosette between two lancet-shaped leaves which very much resemble fish. On account of this resemblance it is often called the fish pattern. It has been utilized with many modifications in half of the rug-making sections of the Orient. It may be found in its original form in many of the Persian fabrics, especially the Herat, the Feraghan, the Khorasan, and the Senna. When in the body of the rug it is generally arranged as a diaper, covering all or a considerable portion of it. Sometimes it appears in combination with square or diamond-shaped figures. The Herati border is found in a great many of the Persian and in some of the Caucasian fabrics.

Herati Design

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in…

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in the old city of Herat. It consists of a rosette between two lancet-shaped leaves which very much resemble fish. On account of this resemblance it is often called the fish pattern. It has been utilized with many modifications in half of the rug-making sections of the Orient. It may be found in its original form in many of the Persian fabrics, especially the Herat, the Feraghan, the Khorasan, and the Senna. When in the body of the rug it is generally arranged as a diaper, covering all or a considerable portion of it. Sometimes it appears in combination with square or diamond-shaped figures. The Herati border is found in a great many of the Persian and in some of the Caucasian fabrics.

Herati Design

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in…

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in the old city of Herat. It consists of a rosette between two lancet-shaped leaves which very much resemble fish. On account of this resemblance it is often called the fish pattern. It has been utilized with many modifications in half of the rug-making sections of the Orient. It may be found in its original form in many of the Persian fabrics, especially the Herat, the Feraghan, the Khorasan, and the Senna. When in the body of the rug it is generally arranged as a diaper, covering all or a considerable portion of it. Sometimes it appears in combination with square or diamond-shaped figures. The Herati border is found in a great many of the Persian and in some of the Caucasian fabrics.

Herati Design

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in…

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in the old city of Herat. It consists of a rosette between two lancet-shaped leaves which very much resemble fish. On account of this resemblance it is often called the fish pattern. It has been utilized with many modifications in half of the rug-making sections of the Orient. It may be found in its original form in many of the Persian fabrics, especially the Herat, the Feraghan, the Khorasan, and the Senna. When in the body of the rug it is generally arranged as a diaper, covering all or a considerable portion of it. Sometimes it appears in combination with square or diamond-shaped figures. The Herati border is found in a great many of the Persian and in some of the Caucasian fabrics.

Herati Design

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in…

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in the old city of Herat. It consists of a rosette between two lancet-shaped leaves which very much resemble fish. On account of this resemblance it is often called the fish pattern. It has been utilized with many modifications in half of the rug-making sections of the Orient. It may be found in its original form in many of the Persian fabrics, especially the Herat, the Feraghan, the Khorasan, and the Senna. When in the body of the rug it is generally arranged as a diaper, covering all or a considerable portion of it. Sometimes it appears in combination with square or diamond-shaped figures. The Herati border is found in a great many of the Persian and in some of the Caucasian fabrics.

Herati Design

Also known as the fish, twin fish and Feraghan designs. Better known as the Herati. It originated in…

This design dates back to Solomon's time. It is one of the Chinese Buddhist ornaments and is therefore quite commonly found in the Samarkand, Yarkand, Kashgar, and the various Chinese products. Also used more or less throughout the Caucasus and especially in the Shemakha; in fact, it is present somewhere in most rugs of the latter class, as a talismanic design. In some of the Persian fabrics it partakes of a floral character.

Knot of Destiny Design

This design dates back to Solomon's time. It is one of the Chinese Buddhist ornaments and is therefore…

This design dates back to Solomon's time. It is one of the Chinese Buddhist ornaments and is therefore quite commonly found in the Samarkand, Yarkand, Kashgar, and the various Chinese products. Also used more or less throughout the Caucasus and especially in the Shemakha; in fact, it is present somewhere in most rugs of the latter class, as a talismanic design. In some of the Persian fabrics it partakes of a floral character.

Knot of Destiny Design

This design dates back to Solomon's time. It is one of the Chinese Buddhist ornaments and is therefore…

This design dates back to Solomon's time. It is one of the Chinese Buddhist ornaments and is therefore quite commonly found in the Samarkand, Yarkand, Kashgar, and the various Chinese products. Also used more or less throughout the Caucasus and especially in the Shemakha; in fact, it is present somewhere in most rugs of the latter class, as a talismanic design. In some of the Persian fabrics it partakes of a floral character.

Knot of Destiny Design

This design dates back to Solomon's time. It is one of the Chinese Buddhist ornaments and is therefore…

Claimed by some to have originally been intended to represent an alligator. There are exceedingly few Kulah rugs that do not show it and seldom is it seen in any other class of fabrics.

Kulah Destiny Design

Claimed by some to have originally been intended to represent an alligator. There are exceedingly few…

Claimed by some to have originally been intended to represent an alligator. There are exceedingly few Kulah rugs that do not show it and seldom is it seen in any other class of fabrics.

Kulah Destiny Design

Claimed by some to have originally been intended to represent an alligator. There are exceedingly few…

Crude figures of lamps, like miniature tea-pots, often hang from the prayer niche of the Turkish prayer rugs, especially those of the Konieh, Ghiordes, and Ladik varieties. They are usually of a floral design and are generally accompanied by a column on either side which is intended to represent the two huge altar candles of the mosque.

Lamp Figures

Crude figures of lamps, like miniature tea-pots, often hang from the prayer niche of the Turkish prayer…

Also known as trellis, diaper, and network. These names are applied to any design which is repeated in such a way as to form a lattice arrangement. It is more or less common in all classes of rugs, especially the Persians. A peculiar compact lattice pattern known as the "mirror design" is frequently found in the Hamadans.

Lattice Design

Also known as trellis, diaper, and network. These names are applied to any design which is repeated…

Link in Lozenge or Spiral is a combination of two triangles with one side of each parallel with the other and sometimes joined by a diagonal line. It is found in the borders of Asia Minor rugs, also in the field of many Nomad productions. Especially common in the Kurdistans and Shirvans.

Link Design

Link in Lozenge or Spiral is a combination of two triangles with one side of each parallel with the…

Link in Lozenge or Spiral is a combination of two triangles with one side of each parallel with the other and sometimes joined by a diagonal line. It is found in the borders of Asia Minor rugs, also in the field of many Nomad productions. Especially common in the Kurdistans and Shirvans.

Link Design

Link in Lozenge or Spiral is a combination of two triangles with one side of each parallel with the…

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the border petals with a heart of deep orange and the stem stands high out of the water. It is commonly found on the banks of the Nile and is the first flower to spring up after the overflowing waters of that river have subsided. For this reason and becacuse it preserves its chaste beauty while growing from such impure surroundings it has always figured among the Egyptians as an emblem of immortality and purity. With the Chinese it is symbolic of many descendants and in India it is especially sacred to the Buddhists and is the national flower of that country. In ornament the lotus is handled by many different nations, being used in both circular and profile forms, figuring as flowers, wheels, medallions, etc.

Lotus Design

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the…

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the border petals with a heart of deep orange and the stem stands high out of the water. It is commonly found on the banks of the Nile and is the first flower to spring up after the overflowing waters of that river have subsided. For this reason and becacuse it preserves its chaste beauty while growing from such impure surroundings it has always figured among the Egyptians as an emblem of immortality and purity. With the Chinese it is symbolic of many descendants and in India it is especially sacred to the Buddhists and is the national flower of that country. In ornament the lotus is handled by many different nations, being used in both circular and profile forms, figuring as flowers, wheels, medallions, etc.

Lotus Design

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the…

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the border petals with a heart of deep orange and the stem stands high out of the water. It is commonly found on the banks of the Nile and is the first flower to spring up after the overflowing waters of that river have subsided. For this reason and becacuse it preserves its chaste beauty while growing from such impure surroundings it has always figured among the Egyptians as an emblem of immortality and purity. With the Chinese it is symbolic of many descendants and in India it is especially sacred to the Buddhists and is the national flower of that country. In ornament the lotus is handled by many different nations, being used in both circular and profile forms, figuring as flowers, wheels, medallions, etc.

Lotus Design

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the…

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the border petals with a heart of deep orange and the stem stands high out of the water. It is commonly found on the banks of the Nile and is the first flower to spring up after the overflowing waters of that river have subsided. For this reason and becacuse it preserves its chaste beauty while growing from such impure surroundings it has always figured among the Egyptians as an emblem of immortality and purity. With the Chinese it is symbolic of many descendants and in India it is especially sacred to the Buddhists and is the national flower of that country. In ornament the lotus is handled by many different nations, being used in both circular and profile forms, figuring as flowers, wheels, medallions, etc.

Lotus Design

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the…

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the border petals with a heart of deep orange and the stem stands high out of the water. It is commonly found on the banks of the Nile and is the first flower to spring up after the overflowing waters of that river have subsided. For this reason and becacuse it preserves its chaste beauty while growing from such impure surroundings it has always figured among the Egyptians as an emblem of immortality and purity. With the Chinese it is symbolic of many descendants and in India it is especially sacred to the Buddhists and is the national flower of that country. In ornament the lotus is handled by many different nations, being used in both circular and profile forms, figuring as flowers, wheels, medallions, etc.

Lotus Design

Very much resembles our pond lily with the exception that the color is of a brilliant purple on the…

A border design also known as the zigzag, the wave crest, or the water motif. It consists of a series of diagonal lines at regular intervals representing waves or running water. Found in nearly all classes, especially the Caucasian.

Greek Meander

A border design also known as the zigzag, the wave crest, or the water motif. It consists of a series…

Represents the eight directions of location and is found in Turkoman, Chinese, and Caucasian products. It is characteristic of the Turkestan rugs.

Octagon Design

Represents the eight directions of location and is found in Turkoman, Chinese, and Caucasian products.…

Represents the eight directions of location and is found in Turkoman, Chinese, and Caucasian products. It is characteristic of the Turkestan rugs.

Octagon Design

Represents the eight directions of location and is found in Turkoman, Chinese, and Caucasian products.…

Represents the eight directions of location and is found in Turkoman, Chinese, and Caucasian products. It is characteristic of the Turkestan rugs.

Octagon Design

Represents the eight directions of location and is found in Turkoman, Chinese, and Caucasian products.…

Palace or Sunburst design known by the latter name inasmuch as its shape suggests the radii around the sun. A very common design in Kazaks and Shirvans, especially the antiques. Never found in any but the Caucasian products.

Sunburst

Palace or Sunburst design known by the latter name inasmuch as its shape suggests the radii around the…

"Also known as the cone, the palm leaf, the river loop, the crown jewel, the seal, the almond, the feather, the boquet, and the flame. There is a vast difference of opinion as to the origin and meaning of this motif. Some authorities claim it was intended for the fir cone, which served as an emblem of immortality and was revered by the ancients; some say it was intended for the palm leaf, which has been handed down by the Greeks as a symbol of victory; others say it was intended to represent a loop which the river Indus makes on a vast plain in upper Cashmere as seen from the Mosque. By some it is said to represent the crown jewels or chief ornament in the old Iranian crown, which is a composite jewel of pear shape. Tradition tells us that the signing of documents in such a manner was a custom well known in the East. This design has also been called the almond, the feather, the bouquet, and the flame on account of its fancied resemblance to these objects. We have selected the name "pear" because the image it conveys is more clearly recognized by the western mind. It is that which its shape most suggests. The Pear design is common in many kinds of rugs, especially in those of Persia and Kurdistan, but it varies greatly in varieties of form and size. The large size is usually employed in the Caucasus and Southern Persia, while the small size is used more frequently in Central and Western Persia. In the Saraband, Shiraz, Herat, Khorasan, and Senna, it frequently covers the whole field. In the two former alternate rows usually have the stems of the pears turned in opposite directions, while in the three latter the stems are usually turned in the same direction."

Pear Design

"Also known as the cone, the palm leaf, the river loop, the crown jewel, the seal, the almond, the feather,…

"Also known as the cone, the palm leaf, the river loop, the crown jewel, the seal, the almond, the feather, the boquet, and the flame. There is a vast difference of opinion as to the origin and meaning of this motif. Some authorities claim it was intended for the fir cone, which served as an emblem of immortality and was revered by the ancients; some say it was intended for the palm leaf, which has been handed down by the Greeks as a symbol of victory; others say it was intended to represent a loop which the river Indus makes on a vast plain in upper Cashmere as seen from the Mosque. By some it is said to represent the crown jewels or chief ornament in the old Iranian crown, which is a composite jewel of pear shape. Tradition tells us that the signing of documents in such a manner was a custom well known in the East. This design has also been called the almond, the feather, the bouquet, and the flame on account of its fancied resemblance to these objects. We have selected the name "pear" because the image it conveys is more clearly recognized by the western mind. It is that which its shape most suggests. The Pear design is common in many kinds of rugs, especially in those of Persia and Kurdistan, but it varies greatly in varieties of form and size. The large size is usually employed in the Caucasus and Southern Persia, while the small size is used more frequently in Central and Western Persia. In the Saraband, Shiraz, Herat, Khorasan, and Senna, it frequently covers the whole field. In the two former alternate rows usually have the stems of the pears turned in opposite directions, while in the three latter the stems are usually turned in the same direction."

Pear Design

"Also known as the cone, the palm leaf, the river loop, the crown jewel, the seal, the almond, the feather,…

"Also known as the cone, the palm leaf, the river loop, the crown jewel, the seal, the almond, the feather, the boquet, and the flame. There is a vast difference of opinion as to the origin and meaning of this motif. Some authorities claim it was intended for the fir cone, which served as an emblem of immortality and was revered by the ancients; some say it was intended for the palm leaf, which has been handed down by the Greeks as a symbol of victory; others say it was intended to represent a loop which the river Indus makes on a vast plain in upper Cashmere as seen from the Mosque. By some it is said to represent the crown jewels or chief ornament in the old Iranian crown, which is a composite jewel of pear shape. Tradition tells us that the signing of documents in such a manner was a custom well known in the East. This design has also been called the almond, the feather, the bouquet, and the flame on account of its fancied resemblance to these objects. We have selected the name "pear" because the image it conveys is more clearly recognized by the western mind. It is that which its shape most suggests. The Pear design is common in many kinds of rugs, especially in those of Persia and Kurdistan, but it varies greatly in varieties of form and size. The large size is usually employed in the Caucasus and Southern Persia, while the small size is used more frequently in Central and Western Persia. In the Saraband, Shiraz, Herat, Khorasan, and Senna, it frequently covers the whole field. In the two former alternate rows usually have the stems of the pears turned in opposite directions, while in the three latter the stems are usually turned in the same direction."

Pear Design

"Also known as the cone, the palm leaf, the river loop, the crown jewel, the seal, the almond, the feather,…