Common Motifs in All-over Layouts
The following are some common motifs used in an all-over layout. Motif is any single form or interrelated group of forms which make up part of the overall design.
Boteh (Persian for "bush")
A pear-shaped figure usually used in the field of an all-over repeat layout.
There are many versions of boteh, from geometric to curvilinear and simple to complex. Boteh has been thought to represent a leaf, a bush, a flame, or a pinecone.
Shah Abbasi
A group of palmettes that can be seen in all-over and medallion layouts as well as in borders. This motif is frequently seen in rugs of Kashan, Esfahan, Mashad, Nain, and in rugs of countries which copy Persian styles such as India, China and Pakistan.
Gul, Gol
A motif in the shape of an octagon used in Turkoman designs.
Usually, one gul is repeated in an all-over layout. Gul is the Persian name for flower. However, some rug scholars argue that the Turkoman gul has originated from an ancient Turkish word meaning family or tribe, and historically each tribe had its own symbolic version of gul.
Herati (Fish)
A motif consisting of a flower inside a diamond and curving leaves outside the diamond which are parallel to each side.
This motif is commonly used in the field of an all-over layout. The leaves sometimes look similar to fish.
There are many versions of the herati motif, from geometric to curvilinear and simple to complex.
Return to Top
|
