Quarterly Scientific-Research Goljaam

Since ancient times, “Tree” has been the focus of attention as a symbol, in works of art. In Mesopotamia and later in Iran, this symbol was known as a holy tree or tree of life as early as 3500 BC, and was delineated in different shapes. After the advent of Islam, this symbol prevailed in works of art; However, no longer as a mythological holy tree but rather standing for heavenly blessings and the paradise. This symbol has been used in different branches of art, including rugmaking. In the art of carpet patterning, the tree has prefigured a great variety of designs, notably the plant Mihrabi (prayer niche). No doubt, the predominance of the tree image in a large group of prayer rugs, is not accidental and must have an objective more than conveying mere beauty. One interpretion suggests an epitome of paradise. Given the Islamic restrictions imposed on the portrayal of human beings, a tree depicted in a prayer niche may well stand for a man in prayer.

Findings and opuses of Islamic civilization era are designed and rendered on different surfaces such as wood, stone tablet, tore, cloth, kilims, jijims, carpets and rugs in geometrical or curvilinear forms of motifs existing in nature or purely spiritual symbols. The art of carpet designing and weaving which was mixed with its concurrent crafts and industry as well as naturalistic and visual symbols, is the key to the connection of the artist to his/her surroundings and even his/her thoughts, faith and beliefs and incorporated with novelty. This research is mainly concerned with such Persian carpets which their designs include a Mihrab on a carpet (prayer rug). This paper focuses mainly on Persian Mihrabi carpets to present the common concepts in the culture of Islamic era, such as, "Taqe Mihrab" and "Darvaze"(gate). Then the origins of such carpets are examined regarding the painting works, and some works are introduced. Some early examples, in which flowers, plants and birds are used as well as two common symbols in such carpets, i.e., Qandil and cypress tree, are discussed and analyzed.