Narratives In Knots: Storytelling Through Pictorial Persian Carpets

Abstract

Persian carpets are more than just ornaments; they are important cultural artefacts with deep cultural significance. This study examines the function of Persian pictorial carpets as a distinctive storytelling medium, extending their scope beyond decorative objects to cultural texts that are imbued with significance. This research also seeks to understand how Persian carpets tell stories and act as archives of cultural identity and collective memory.  The research analyses a curated selection of Persian pictorial carpets from a variety of regions and periods using a qualitative methodology that incorporates iconographic analysis, historical interpretation, and symbolic understanding. The primary objective is to decode the visual and symbolic language employed in these textiles, which encompass a wide range of subjects, including religious epics, royal court scenes, mythical tales, and ordinary life vignettes. The impact of composition, colour, motif placement, and stylistic decisions on the development of a story is investigated. The key findings reveal that pictorial Persian carpets are abundant with figurative content, often portraying epic stories, religious stories, and historical events.  The interaction of colours, borders, and central medallions serves a purpose beyond mere ornamentation. In conclusion, pictorial Persian carpets are strong narrative artefacts that combine oral and written traditions with artistic expression.  By interpreting these, the research highlights the importance of these woven tales in cultural preservation and identifies them as invaluable resources for the study of Iranian art, history, and heritage.