Tree of Life
A journey through a depiction of a spiritual concept in two 19th century prayer carpets from Persia.
Carpet (1801/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Persian carpets are known for their intricate and symbolic designs, each rich with meaning and cultural significance.The thematic Persian carpet designs tell a unique story or reflecting a specific theme.
A powerful symbol
The Tree of Life is a powerful symbol connecting the physical and spiritual worlds, offering knowledge and nourishment. Its many branches represent the interconnectedness of all life. We see a praye carpet with decorative borders depicting the concept.
Life's journey
Across cultures, the Tree of Life symbolizes interconnectedness, life's journey, and eternity. Its branches, leaves, and fruits represent abundance and growth. Here we see an ornate vase with a flowering plant. Flowers symbolize beauty, love, and spirituality.
The 'Mihrab'
The mihrab's (prayer niche) design, with its floral and vegetal motifs on a rich red backdrop, reflects the carpet's use in prayer and its spiritual significance.
Symmetrical beauty
The Tree of Life carpet's symmetrical design is visually stunning, symbolizing the constant cycle of life and regeneration through its branches, leaves, and flowers.
Persian garden
Intricate buds and blossoms lavishly cover the field of this Persian carpet, their vines and tendrils creating a stunning design like in a Persian garden. A circular arrangement of motifs suggesting rose petals, symbolise divine light.
Floral abundance
Intricate floral designs adorn this antique Persian carpet, transforming the floor into a blooming garden; the range of blues, reds, and greens, adding depth and visual interest.
Persian carpet (1800/1899)Salar Jung Museum
Tree of life
This Kirman carpet from Persia depicts the Tree of Life, flanked by peacocks and intricate borders. Rich colors like red, blue, and green create a vibrant scene.
Arch with peacocks
Peacocks and a smaller bird are nestled among lush floral patterns on this prayer carpet, enhancing the beauty of the central arch or mihrab (prayer niche).
Birds among branches
Three birds perch on branches framing the Tree of Life, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living things within this spiritual concept.
Floral fantasy
The carpet's floral floor depicts a lush, verdant tree, showcasing the beauty and abundance of nature within the prayer rug's design.
Beautiful borders
Scroll designs and lush vegetal motifs frame the central tree, creating a visually stunning border.
Rooted in Life
The tree's base, drawing nourishment from the earth, reinforces the Tree of Life concept. Birds and floral designs enliven the carpet's base.
Text and Curation: Soma Ghosh
Photography: M. Krishnamurthy and Bahadur Ali
Research Assistance: Dinesh Singh and E. Rajesh
Special thanks to : Ms. Priyanka Mary Francis, IAS, Director, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
Dr. G. Kusum, Curator, Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad, India.
References –
1. https://www.carpet-wiki.com/persian-rugs/ (accessed on 19.05.2025)
2.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340340298_The_Evolution_of_Iranian_C
arpet_Designs_with_the_Influence_of_Islam_and_Chinese_art_Ilkhanid_Timurid_Sa
favid (accessed on 19.05.2025)
3.
https://sciarena.com/storage/models/article/eoerfTrZAkHJli9C0kvzXluJOpBBfkuJq34
9yIuVazdGNtPvzZaAp7DLSWun/analysis-and-study-of-geometry-of-persian-carpets-
with-geometry-and-architecture-approach.pdf(accessed on 19.05.2025)
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