Boteh: the Persian origins of paisley

Where it appears

• Termeh brocade
• Rugs from Fars, Kerman and Hamadan regions
• Pateh embroidery
• Qalamkar prints

Interpretations

Readings include cypress, flame, almond or a stylised plant. None is proven; treat claims of a single meaning with caution.

Name

'Paisley' comes from the Scottish town that mass-produced shawls imitating Kashmiri and Persian ones.

A note on this guide

This guide is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. Prices, workshop locations and practices change; check current details before travelling or buying.