Medallion Design Symbology

Written by Abdolhossein Ghasemnejad.

Medallion and Corner Medallion: The medallion is one of the most important and frequently-used patterns in Iranian carpets. The prevalence of this pattern has roots in Iranian mythology and symbolism.

Symbolism

Very little is known of first inhabitants of the Iranian plateau, but studying the literature left by the Aryans who later arrived in the plateau, we now have a better understanding of them and their world view. Accordingly, the creation and existence of the universe are based on a moral philosophical concept. This moral principle makes references to the Resurrection and the Apocalypse, centering on ascension of mankind to the heaven and the afterlife.
Heaven, home to eternal life, is the main long-held ambition of Iranians which is reflected symbolically on rugs, and enables them to lives their material lives. The medallion pattern is in fact the personification of heaven based on the Iranian mindset. Iranians see heaven as a dense garden full of trees and plants with numerous ponds connected by streams. Therefore, the medallion in the middle of the rug represents one pond with corner medallions symbolizing a quarter of other ponds. Eslimi and Khataei motifs are also a symbol of plants and flowers. The rug’s margins which are comprised of seven parts represent seven walls of the heaven in Iranian mythology that are believed to prevent the Devil from entering the heaven.

Bibliography

1. Meskoub, Shahrokh. 1400. An Introduction to Iranian Mythology. 4th. Tehran: Farhang Javed.
2. Hasouri, Ali. 1389. Basics of Traditional Design in Iran. 3th. Tehran: Cheshmeh Publishing.
3. Hasouri, Ali. 1376. Ferdows minoy garden and its design in Iranian carpet. No.89-93. pp.247-259. Kelk Magazine.