Readings of this motif
- A citrus-shaped ornament.
- A compositional centre.
How to recognise it
Look for the Medallion (toranj) as a repeated unit rather than a single image: its scale, density and the way it sits in a border or field often tell you more about workshop and region than the form alone. The same motif crosses weaving, metal, tile and painting, so a match is a starting point for comparison, never proof of origin.
Used in these crafts
A hand-knotted pile textile woven across Iran in city workshops, village looms and pastoral camps, distinguished by regional structure, palette and design vocabulary.
The decoration of manuscript pages and album leaves with gold and coloured pigments in geometric and floral designs framing text or painting.
The hand binding of manuscripts and books with leather or lacquer covers, often with a flap (lisan) and stamped, cut or gilded decoration.