Persian rug patterns: a visual guide to medallions, herati, boteh

The main layouts

• Medallion: a central medallion with corner pieces (Kashan, Tabriz, Kerman)
• All-over: a repeating motif across the field (herati, mina khani)
• Prayer: an arch at one end
• Garden (khesti): the field divided into panels
• Pictorial: hunting scenes, portraits or stories

Common motifs

• Herati: a flower in a diamond flanked by leaves
• Boteh: a teardrop or paisley shape
• Shah Abbasi: large palmette flowers
• Eslimi: spiralling arabesques
• Gol-o-morgh: flowers and birds
• Mina khani: a lattice of daisy-like flowers

Village and tribal geometry

Village and nomadic weavers render motifs in angular, geometric shapes because they weave from memory without cartoons.

Reading patterns with care

Pattern alone rarely identifies origin — popular designs travel between centres and abroad. Use patterns alongside structure and materials. See our motif pages for details on each.