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This remarkable carpet is woven by Kordi tribes who were relocated from western Iran to the northeastern province of Khorasan in the early 17th century. Over time, these communities carried their traditions with them while gradually absorbing influences from the cultures of northeast and eastern Iran, resulting in a distinctive and layered weaving style.
The design of this rug is rich with ancient and mysterious symbols. Among them are variations of an S-shaped motif, the eight-pointed star with roots going back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamian symbolism associated with figures such as the goddess Ishtar, stylised double-headed birds, fish motifs, and a range of other nomadic elements whose meanings have largely been lost over time.
These motifs are not placed through strict planning, but emerge from memory and inherited knowledge. The weaver draws unconsciously from a deep cultural reservoir, repeating forms that have been passed down through generations, often without a clear understanding of their original meaning.
The result is a composition that feels both ancient and alive, carrying within it fragments of distant histories and forgotten beliefs. Such rugs invite contemplation, offering layers of meaning that reveal themselves slowly over time.
Pieces like this are not only visually compelling but intellectually engaging, holding within them echoes of past civilisations and the enduring continuity of human expression through weaving.
This remarkable carpet is woven by Kordi tribes who were relocated from western Iran to the northeastern province of Khorasan in the early 17th century. Over time, these communities carried their traditions with them while gradually absorbing influences from the cultures of northeast and eastern Iran, resulting in a distinctive and layered weaving style.
The design of this rug is rich with ancient and mysterious symbols. Among them are variations of an S-shaped motif, the eight-pointed star with roots going back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamian symbolism associated with figures such as the goddess Ishtar, stylised double-headed birds, fish motifs, and a range of other nomadic elements whose meanings have largely been lost over time.
These motifs are not placed through strict planning, but emerge from memory and inherited knowledge. The weaver draws unconsciously from a deep cultural reservoir, repeating forms that have been passed down through generations, often without a clear understanding of their original meaning.
The result is a composition that feels both ancient and alive, carrying within it fragments of distant histories and forgotten beliefs. Such rugs invite contemplation, offering layers of meaning that reveal themselves slowly over time.
Pieces like this are not only visually compelling but intellectually engaging, holding within them echoes of past civilisations and the enduring continuity of human expression through weaving.