Designs & Motiffs of Wool Carpets

 

Hand-made carpets are broadly segregated in two categories in terms of designs & motifs - Oriental/Traditional (with floral motifs) & Semi-floral (geometric) designs. Oriental carpets have traditional, floral designs that are primarily Persian patterns and motif having a classic center medallion with accompanying corner motifs rest against fields of lotus, peony and cloud scroll. The medallions come in all kinds of varied shapes and sizes and are traditionally inspired from ancient symbols of nature, culture or religious significance. These center-medallion designs in turn have repeated all-over pattern of interlaced garlands and arabesque foliage bobbins flawlessly woven in continuing flow of smaller and dispersed medallions in the field spread with a medley of colors and motifs. This harmony of Tulips, Chrysanthemums, Lilies and Carnations, amongst others, in all their virgin glory is then extended splendidly and deftly by expert hands in the multi-pronged borders, numbering in some cases up to even 12 on each side, of these infinitely amazing carpets of Kashmir .

The other types of traditional, oriental motifs that have attained tremendous popularity in today's time are the semi-floral motifs that are available in all kinds of sizes, colors and quality types. The most obvious differentiating point between these and the 'full-blown' floral carpet designs is the absence (almost) of a prominent or large center medallion of any kind. The semi-floral oriental motifs that do not have any center medallion (with a structured or a focal theme) are termed as all-over designs with gracious and delicate artistry of scattered floral motifs in the entire field of the carpet. These carpets are very unique in terms of designs and motif and require a great deal of intricate workmanship. This 'medallion-less' facet in the carpet's motif is a preferred choice for many people, specially, when looking to place the carpet under the dining or the coffee table and other such areas thus eliminating the notion of a medallion design getting 'covered or hidden', that tarnishes its beauty because of the presence of the table or an equivalent piece of hard-top furniture. Hence, in this case, the all-over motif in such a carpet can be viewed from any direction or angle without compromising on the gorgeousness and appearance of the carpet's design irrespective of the furniture that can now be placed on the carpet.

In the same way we also have an extensive, but, exclusive selection of carpets that have another set of inimitable motifs that are absolutely unusual and singular in all aspects of designing, color combination and visual appearance. These carpet designs have a popular term for reference coined as "Garden" scenes or motifs set in gardens of palaces of yore. These designs originated in Persia and are widely believed to be inspired from one of the paramount wonders of the ancient world - The Gardens of Babylon & The Palace of Persepolis. The same inspiration has been modified in Indian context too, in the form of the famed Shalimar Garden (literally translated as - the Garden of Paradise) situated in Srinagar, Kashmir that enthused artists to create the Shalimar Garden designs along with the original interpretations of other such motifs, like the Bakhtiari, Hamadan & Qum from Persia.

These motifs have an assemblage of unusual shaped boxes (rows & columns of squares are seen in Hamadan & Qum, while square, rectangles, etc. are strategically woven in the Bakhtiari motif) representing various symbolic motifs placed in one field of intricate pattern. The imagination behind the creativity of every such motif is immensely artistic, what, with its non-repetitive pattern of various designs in speckled hues and colors of diversity ever expanding with a new and unique motif in numerous 'boxes' of creative beauty that continuously mesmerize the beholder by its exquisite finery, marvelous workmanship and individualism.

Additionally, we also have another set of designs that are particularly created only in wool/silk blend & in pure wool categories. These designs are exceptionally popular keeping in mind the need or the quest for creating a nouveau décor with a fuss on the agenda - "less is more". These carpets have been a rage for several years now and are a top draw on the shopping list of interior decorators and architects who recommend the contemporary or post-modern setting for their clients.

This selection has carpets with geometric and tribal themed motifs that are contemporarily stylized with unconventional patterns that are very atypical in terms of designs and motif that blend in any décor (especially a more offbeat and a minimalist décor) with ease. These uniquely 'avant-garde' carpets have a distinctive and a refreshing feel, both in terms of appearance and the artistic liberty involved in color matching, thereby making each creation, truly one-of-its-kind.

Although many of these carpets owe their originality of the designing to the quaint tribal symbols of the ancient world, but, as with any art these creations involve an integration of antediluvian motifs with metallic and earth-inspired colors that is both dissimilar and fashionable too.