Showing 19 results for Symbol
Mr Mehrdad Sadri,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (3-2006)
Abstract
Love of beauty and perfection is an inherent characteristic of human beings. The principle of “need” complements the sense that brings artistic creation in him to a peak, resulting in the formation and permanence of culture. The “carpet” may not represent a pure form of art, but it there is no doubt that its artistic and visual qualities put it beyond a mere commercial commodity and elevate it to the position of a work of art that embodies taste, thought, beliefs and a special custom. It presents the intellectual and cultural potentials of a people in the form of esoteric motifs and symbolic forms. The elementary motifs and patterns that are especially found in rural carpets and small carpets usually embody a purer content from the point of view of symbolic concepts that deserve a thorough investigation.
Dr Amirhosein Chitsazian,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (3-2007)
Abstract
Symbolism and love of beauty are two fundamental particulars of human kind having special effects on his works of art. Carpet, particularly in Iran, has been one of the grounds of manifestation of symbols and carpet patterns represent symbolic designs. This study is an effort to study this issue, especially in the Safavid and Ghajrid eras which are considered to be the flourishing age of Iranian carpet. Written references as well as 80 pictures of carpets of that period of time constitute the main resources of this study and confirm our hypothesis of great effect of symbolism on Iranian carpet designing. In this study, I have introduced the theoretical grounds of carpet patterns symbolism and for the first time a classification is drawn up which may be used as a starting point for other studies.
Dr Habibolah Ayatollahi, Dr Amir Hosein Chitsazian, Mr Jamal-Aldin Toomajnia,
Volume 3, Issue 6 (9-2007)
Abstract
Each civilization make own culture and cultural productions that have sign of identification of that culture. Islamic civilization and its genuine culture is settled this identity in obey of god’s commands and Moslems are innovated some beautiful productions that symbol of this delivery. Prayer rug is one of these productions. It is necessary to Moslems to pray five times in a day. Among Turkmen people, it is necessary to exist one ore some prayer rug in bride’s trousseau. This inquiry is tried to introduce kinds of prayer rugs and their patterns and symbols.
Mrs Marjan Salavati,
Volume 4, Issue 9 (6-2008)
Abstract
Fars is one of the most important areas in kilim rugs and carpet production in Iran. Among the important reasons for variety and multiplicity of kilim rugs in Fars era, is the fact that here Turks and Fars people live together. This article has focused on the motif of Swastika or Broken Cross (Mehraneh in Persian) in these hands-knitted products. This paper aims to study the symbolic language of this motif through the time and its appearance in Qashqa’i carpets. Due to the multiplicity of the appearance of this motif, the current paper is not only concerned with the language of this symbol and its implications in Qashqa’i hand-kitted products, but also the role of Mehraneh through time in different cultures and religions. Some semiotic means have been employed herein. From viewpoint of the objective of the research, this is a fundamental one which explains the characteristics of this motif by exploring and discovering truths, realities and gaining knowledge about this motif. However, this paper is descriptive and historical for its nature and method. In other words, the common and general characteristics of this motif can be explained and orderly described by using original and referable documents and evidences. Also it will be possible to study their specifications, consider the relations of variables (if necessary) and recognize the characteristics of Swastika motif and its application in Qashqa’i carpets. The sources are visual, verbal and written.
Mr Hassan Azizi, Mrs Mahnaz Navaie,
Volume 4, Issue 11 (3-2009)
Abstract
Motifs pass through the mental filters of different people. The time and mind canals govern key roles in forming the designs. Most of the carpets’ designs and motifs are the products of the cultural exchanges among different nations and races. Cultural and social products such as stories, dialects, traditions, customs etc. are exchanged among different nations and races, meanwhile get local characteristics; motifs are also not apart from this formula. They are also modified and changed in the process of movement from one location to another one. Each motif can be considered as the offspring of the social needs of its community in a certain period of time. The cursive designs of Heris also follow such formula. The organic and urban designs (i.e. Shah Abbassi medallion design) have been changed into a geometrical design by the carpet weavers and consequently innovative visual models have been introduced to visual culture of the carpets as the result of gradual mental-oriented changes and modification of those designs. The relationship between some motifs in Heris carpets such as: “Gobak”, “Lalak”, “Toosbagha” etc. and mythological elements is significant. The mental-oriented weavers of this field have created a collection of new motifs by utilizing simile and abstraction.
Dr Amir Hossein Chitsazian, Mrs Amineh Nazari Estahbanati,
Volume 4, Issue 11 (3-2009)
Abstract
In the field of Iranian hand-woven rugs, there are different regions with varied histories some of which are still unknown or neglected. Among these are the Shariat-madar Hur rugs which belong to the ancient region of "Eij" and not long ago, were considered as unique masterpieces of carpet-weaving in Fars province. Definitely, one of the essential investigations in the field of hand-woven rugs is to uncover these cultural treasures from the mysteries of time. The present study aims at introducing this unknown identity with all of its features including designs and concepts hidden in its symbolic ornaments. By using field and library research methods, this paper tries to bring the potentials of the inventive and anonymous weavers of this particular type of rugs to the attention of the researchers and admirers of Iranian rugs. The revealed facts in this study can contribute to an increase in the required information in researching about and planning Iranian carpets. Furthermore, this original study prevents the information regarding this rug from disappearing and contributes to the revival of this type of rug in the region of Eij and Estahban.
Mrs Tayebeh Sabaghpour, Dr Mahnaz Shayesteh-Far,
Volume 5, Issue 12 (6-2009)
Abstract
Since long ago the motif of “fish” has been one of the motifs employed in Persian artworks. As well as having extraordinary beauty of form, fish has deep symbolic meanings and has motivated Persian artists of different ages to employ it in their works. Rugs of Safavid era are among such artworks. Both in ancient Iranian mythology and also in Islamic culture, fish has enjoyed a significant meaning and role. Since Movlana in his Mathnavi has offered special interpretation of symbolic meanings for fish, it has been tried in this paper to examine the symbolic meanings of fish motif in Safavid rugs in the light of Movlana’s interpretation. In this article, these questions have been answered: (1) What is the place of fish in ancient Iranian mythology and also in Quran?; (2) What are the symbolic meanings of fish motif in Mathnavi?; and finally (3) What are the symbolic meanings of fish motif in Safavid rugs in the light of Movlana’s Mathnavi? This motif carries with itself several symbolic meanings like: mystic, path of truth, perfect human and the man from heaven, as well as different meanings such as: earth, body, and earthly man.
Mr Seyed Mohammad Mehdi Mirzaamini, Dr Seyyed Jalal Eddin Bassam,
Volume 7, Issue 18 (6-2011)
Abstract
Among various Persian carpet designs, medallion and medallion with spandrels designs have special status due to their both aesthetic and frequency of use in carpets. It seems that the medallion in Persian carpet has not achieved this significance only for its aesthetic aspects. In this paper, the significance of this pattern is investigated from symbolic point of view using library-based survey and content analysis. Medallion in the carpet has reached such maturity and aesthetic climax from both conceptual and appearance aspects that this can hardly be seen in other arts. Medallion pattern has developed from mythical beliefs and it symbolizes garden and pool; but its evolution to today's state is in fact the manifestation of the beliefs, thoughts and dreams of the Iranian Muslim artists that are manifested in a heavenly garden and spiritual space. On the other hand, visualizing heavenly concepts in the medallion departs from mortal and earthly state, and seeks introducing a holy space by using abstract patterns. In this way, an eternal world, which cannot be depicted in any mortal form, is portrayed by applying a symbolic rendition. For realizing all of its connotations, the designer and/or weaver chooses the center of the carpet to stimulate this prominent concept.
Mr Mohammad Ali Espanani, Mrs Peyvand Tofighi Borujeni,
Volume 7, Issue 18 (6-2011)
Abstract
The ancient motif of vase, whether individually or in combination with other motifs, is one of the most basic patterning motifs in visual culture of Iran and is among the manifestations of eternal verdancy. Multiplicity of its types, its various forms, flexibility of its structure and its combination with other motifs have caused that the vase motif become a basic and guiding elements for other motifs. Nomadic and rural hand-woven textiles manifest the power and value of vase motif fully and obviously and the motif has become a model for urban artifacts and styles. Abundance, variety and especially innovative presence of vase motifs observed in the rural brick-shaped rugs of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari raise many questions, for example: How is the variety of vase motif on brick-shaped rugs? What are their main components (form and structure)? What are the causes of changes of this motif? This research has been conducted using descriptive-analytic method and data collection has been performed using library-based and field studies. Keywords: Vase motif, Rural brick-shaped rugs, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Form, Figure, Structure.
Mr Mehdi Jahani, Dr Asharfolsadat Mousavilar, Mr Javad Pournami, Mr Abdollah Mirzaei,
Volume 7, Issue 19 (9-2011)
Abstract
Investigation and research on contemporary carpets is a vital and original perceptions of "identity" problem and relevant expressions with time and environment is certainly not a easy task. As we deal with some general concepts such as identity, the research literature is often directed to complex and philosophical issues. In the study of cultural encounters and interactions in Ardabil carpets it can be seen that an unbalanced process in social-artistic relations with some style-owned and dynamic cities in the last half century has caused that its simplicity and originality be affected and apparent contradictions can be observed. This paper is a comparative study of 36 samples of carpets from "Aran, Azerbaijan" and "Ardabil" to explore the concept of identity in both traditional and contemporary works, and find the reason for lack of identity via leaving common native identity for reproduced exotic identities.
Dr Bahar Mokhtarian, Mrs Shahrbano Kameli,
Volume 7, Issue 20 (3-2012)
Abstract
The hand-woven items of Iranian clans and tribes include various motifs that have been formed according to their life-style, customs, myths and rituals and is the expression of values and beliefs of their culture. So these motifs have various symbolic meanings that they have used for expressing their needs and relationships. The present research aims at introducing one of most important hand-woven items of Turkmen tribe, namely "Namazligh" that is an applied and identity-making item used for prayer, to analyze the status of symbol in one of the main motifs of Namazligh, i.e. Kabe Naghesh which is the repetition of tree-pillar and bird motif on the top of minarets. Understanding the origin of these symbolical elements and finding their concepts and meaning in different cultures and also in shamanism, which has been what Turkmens believed in before embracing Islam, can help to understand these symbolic elements in Turkmens' Namazligh.
Mrs Elham Shamsaei,
Volume 10, Issue 26 (3-2015)
Abstract
An influencing idea finally develops and gain fame, if not in its own time, certainly in a short period of history. Likewise Suhrawardi's philosophy, within less than a century, has had such an influence in various areas of philosophy, literature, art, culture, etc. in Islamic world especially Iran. "The mediatory world" (Ālam-e Methāl) and "the eighth territory" (Eqlīm-e Hashtum) is the very point of intellectual strength in Suhawardi's philosophy which has made it influential. Suhrawardi's mediatory world (a subtle mediator between spiritual and material worlds) and its cities can be considered in associate with the mythical city of Kang Dej to help us in finding out how symbols, in the sacred art of carpet-weaving, are in a way related to this mediatory world. But, why rug? Simply because no other art like carpet weaving has kept its ancient motifs till now without losing its popularity. Although rug is used to cover a ground but it represents a celestial earth, and makes a place sacred, as it is subject of traditional science of sacred geography. The symbols which are in common between the mediatory world, structure of a traditional house and rug have the same spiritual concepts for traditional human. Toranjs (medallion) and Shamsas (roundel) as symbols of rugs are representation of sun and ultimately remind us of the metaphysical notion of center. Lachaks (ecoincon) are entrance gates, hashiyas (border) are fort of the spiritual city, and guls (flower) and buttas (arabesque) and all other symbols have their own role in representation of this subtle city. In this paper we will see how philosophical and mythological point of view can assist one to interpret rugs. Whatever man makes shows his approach to the reality and determines his intellectual power and social circumstances under which he has grown. Kang Dej is an Iranian vision of "the ideal city" and refers to the state of paradise in traditional ideas. Kang belongs to mediatory (or subtle) realm of existence; the tradition, representing it on earth and material realm, illuminates a sacred place in urban planning, architecture, and art. One of these illuminated forms is the art of carpet weaving along with its motifs and symbols.
Mrs Azam Rasooli,
Volume 10, Issue 26 (3-2015)
Abstract
One of aspects of the carpets which can be studied is their pattern and design, and such a study can be performed based on theoretical and scientific-artistic approaches, including symbol and sign. In fact, by studying and analyzing designs and patterns of carpets on the basis of a semiotic system, semantic signification of them can be analyzed. Accordingly, a carpet with corner-medallion pattern as well as a pictorial carpet among carpets of Hamedan is studied here. Hamedan is one of the most important areas of carpet-weaving, especially in terms of rural style. Pictorial and corner-medallion designs were selected for better manifestation of the differences between symbol and sign, since there are occasionally considered to be identical that and sometimes to be different. Based on what was said, the research question is that "Can the differences symbol and sign be studied in the pattern carpets and to obtain semantic significations in the contest of semiotics? Accordingly analytical and comparative methods as well as desk study method for data collection have been employed. First the theoretical bases of the research have been reviewed and then the selected samples have been studied regarding such theoretical criteria. The results of this research include: understanding the differences between symbols and signs in pattern of hand-made carpets, the effectiveness of semiotic system in the process of analysis of such symbols and signs as well as achieving semantic implications of patterns through conceptual abundance, based on semiotics method.
Mohammadreza Shahparvari , Dr Jalaledin Bassam ,
Volume 12, Issue 29 (9-2016)
Abstract
Carpet is one of the Iranian arts that is shaped in direct interaction with designers and weavers and therefore is a visual expression of their beliefs and ideas. This statement of beliefs, originates from the artist’s mentality influenced by culture, customs and religious teachings of society which is then traced on the vertexes of the carpet in different arrays and in the form of various designs. For this reason, various issues have been incorporated in carpet with a symbolic expression and each imply a cultural and religious concept. In the mist of this, numbers have a deep root in the culture of this country and was divided into two types: quantitative and qualitative. Qualitative aspect, or in other words, the symbolic and meaningful dimension of numbers has long been in consideration and the application of numbers in the arts of this country can be considered as a sign of the grand position of the symbolic aspect of numbers in different eras.
This article reviews the place and symbolic use of numbers in carpet with analytical method and library data collection. The results show that the numbers one, three, four, five, six, seven and eight have been symbolically used in different carpet designs. This application implies that the organization of images and designs has been based on the symbolic meanings of these numbers. Furthermore, it can be been seen that some carpet patterns and designs have been named based on their numerical format, thus strengthening the role of numbers in carpet and conveying the symbolic meaning they possess. These patterns, which are influenced by the cultural and religious teachings of the society, have been employed by designers and weavers and have been the source of inspiration for their designs.
Miss Atefeh Heidari Soureshjani, Dr. Iman Zakariaee Kermani, , ,
Volume 15, Issue 36 (3-2020)
Abstract
Bird motif is a commonly used figure in the art of this country especially carpet weaving and is found in different parts of carpets and in various forms and concepts. This indicates the importance of this creature for people. Bird motif has long been widely used and in various forms in carpet weaving, this local, ancient and venerable art. Many of these bird figures have symbolic meanings and have special positions in the culture and the literature of this country. These symbolic meanings may include concepts such as victory of good over evil, luck and prosperity, spring tidings, pleading for fertility and rain, and mystic and religious concepts. There has been an inseparable connection between Persian carpets and bird motif in various forms because Persian carpets are a visualization of paradise or heaven. Bird motifs are seen as a symbol of soul, flight and freedom and this is the underlying reason behind the relation and connection between carpets and bird motifs. Most of these birds are weaved realistically or as abstract figures on tree branches in Persian carpet, sometimes flying and sometimes sitting. Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari is one of the regions which uses bird motifs realistically or as abstract figures in designing carpets. This study begins by providing a short explanation about carpets and bird motifs as well as a giving a comparative semiotic explanation on the role of bird motifs. Bird motifs designed in the art of carpet weaving in Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari are shown in a table, firstly according to their type and then their form. A classification of the bird’s positioning in the carpet of this region and its relation with the other birds and animals and also its combination with other elements is also provided. The symbolic companionship of the sacred tree and the bird and its role in the carpets of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari are presented. Finally the studied sample in the carpet of Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari is analyzed.
Faezeh Ghomlaghi, Iman Zakariaee Kermani, Mahdi Keshavarz Afshar, Bijan Arbabi,
Volume 15, Issue 36 (3-2020)
Abstract
Iran is an ancient country with very rich culture, art, and history. People who reside there have different cultures and religions. One of the most important and classical art in Iran is carpet which dates return to many years ago. This art has an appropriate background to presents images and symbols that show beliefs, traditions, social changes, religious thought and etc. By various images and patterns on Persian rug, it is a proper commodity for presentation and communication with individuals and societies that are different with each other in the eyes of religion and culture.
The rug that Naser al-Din Shah donated his Jewish doctor, Nur Mohammad, is one of these rugs which has religious images and symbols. Nur Mohammad was Jewish doctor of Naseri Court who survived after an attempt, then Naser al-Din Shah presented him with this rug as a gift. So, this is assumed that this carpet is able to communicate with different societies and religions. The purpose of this paper is to reading the symbols and analyzing the concepts of this rug and answer to this question: What is the relationship between existing images and Judaism principles and doctrines of this rug.
In this paper, by using of discourse analysis which has become an interdisciplinary attitude nowadays, it is endeavored to read these symbols and compare them with the Holy Bible and other available information in written sources, by talking to persons who are aware of Judaism's concepts and patterns.
The results of this research demonstrate that existing images on this rug adopted from the Holy Bible of Jewry and artist demonstrates holiness and importance by using of the Holy Bible's part or parts repeatation, or with painting greater picture of important religious persons who have special importance for Jewry.
Hoda Jafari,
Volume 17, Issue 40 (9-2021)
Abstract
Bijar klim, or, garous klims, one of the most famous Iranian klim in the world. Its world-wide repution raises the question that what are the meaning, the images, portrates, mytihcals images and pattern in Bijar klim art? To answer this question, the author of the article has tried to study the design of mythological images of ancient Iran in Bijar Klim Art were teken in to consideration, archaeological, history, garfigh, researches. The purpose of the author is to investigate the mythological concepts and symbols of ancient Iran on Bijar Garous Klim
Methodology was cnonsisted of interviwers with experts (Klim weavers, Klim Disigners and klim marketer) and literature review(articles, books,journals ) on the the meaning mythical images. The interview framework was semi-structured.
Pupulation and sampels: 200 Klim, 23 Klim experts in Bijar, were selected through convenience sampling and interviewed.
Data analysis: Data was obtained with content analysis.
Results: According to the searches investigation.it can be stayed mythical images drawn on bijar klim are flunced by the western,civilization of iranplatea,.mesepotamia, central Asia, belives, culthural creets, acceptance cermonia l and correspondent religion, appearning in the mythical. symbold such as animals and plants.
Samera Salimpour Abkenar,
Volume 17, Issue 40 (9-2021)
Abstract
A hand-woven rug has a language and inherits the cultural, religious, and social messages and its weaver feelings. To know the messages that a rug can offer from the past to the present needs to read the symbolic language of the designs and motifs. However, in most cases, information about the meanings of a rug as an artwork is not available; hence, a logical and systematic method should be used to get past the image and reach the real concept. This research tries to reveal the hidden messages behind the motifs of a Hadji-Djalili rug with a Mihrab design, which has two prominent features: (1) the tree of life in the middle of the rug is a hybrid type, and (2) the weaver has dyed it with special elegance in the way of a real highlight (or Abrash). These are rarely seen in other altar rugs. Based on this, the study follows to find answers to these questions: What are the symbolic concepts that are hidden behind the design, pattern, and color of the mentioned rug? And how can they be achieved? What is the final meaning of the symbolic language of these motifs? Thus, the aim of this research is to use Panofsky's iconology method to find the layers of meaning through the three stages of "pre-iconography description, iconography analysis, and iconology interpretation". This research is written with the descriptive-analytical method and uses library information and written documents. The results of the iconography analysis, which is formed by connecting the chain of meanings hidden behind the motifs, confirmed the "votive or endowment" of the mentioned rug. On the other hand, the interpretation of iconology shows that the weaver of this rug knowingly or unknowingly created an artwork, which emphasizes the need for a man (or a worshiper) to achieve spiritual evolution through the entrance to the existence circle and spiritual ascension.
Omid Vahdanifar, Ladan Daneshvari,
Volume 17, Issue 40 (9-2021)
Abstract
The most common art of the Kormanj nomads is the weaving of a type of carpet called "Kormanj table" which tells the story of the life or beliefs of that people. This art is specific to the Kermanj-speaking people of North Khorasan and is popular in the cities of Bojnord, Farouj, Mane and Samalghan, Shirvan and Esfrain. Although the Kurdish table has lost its main use today and is used as a floor covering or has a decorative aspect, its primary use in the past was to place bread. The present study was written in a library method with the aim of examining the symbols in the table cloth motifs of the Kormanj tribe of North Khorasan in order to keep alive the old motifs and symbols that are subject to being forgotten and obsolete. The findings of this research indicate that the motifs used in the Kurdish table of the mentioned people have a high semantic diversity and importance and include four geometric, plant, human and animal groups, of which animal motifs are the most used; Because it is influenced by the nomadic life of the Kormanj people. Among the human motifs, the figure of a girl is seen more often; Because the main weavers of the Kurdish table are women and girls. The tree motif is the most frequent plant motif due to its sanctity and being a sign of life and blessing. Abstract and geometric patterns also have a symbolic and decorative aspect.
