Antique Persian Shirvan Wool Rug with Floral Design

• Gul - A gul is a motif commonly used in Oriental carpets, originally based on a rose, usually of stylised geometric (octagonal) form. The different tribes each have their own versions of the gul, enabling association of a rug with a particular tribal area.
• Herati Design in Persian Carpets - The Herati design has been used in Persian carpet weaving for centuries and is considered a classic. It consists of a repeating pattern of a central diamond or rhombus, surrounded by four curled leaves or petals, with a small flower or rosette in each of the four corners.
  
  The design is sometimes also referred to as the fish pattern, due to the resemblance of the curled leaves or petals to fish, or as the mahi pattern, which means "fish" in Persian. It is believed to have originated in the Herat province of Afghanistan, which was a major centre of carpet weaving in the 19th century.
  
  In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the Herati design also has symbolic significance. The central diamond or rhombus is often interpreted as representing the fish's eye, while the curled leaves or petals represent fish, water, or vegetation. The small flowers or rosettes in the corners are thought to symbolize the four seasons or the four elements.

This item has been included into following indexes:

• Shirvan, Azerbaijan - rugs and carpets 13