A Shirvan Marasali prayer rug, Azerbaijan, 19th century, a fine example with repeated 'boteh' paisley motif on a blue ground, with spandrels above the 'Mihra' or prayer arch containing designs imitating combs and scissors, 150 cm long, 125 cm wide. Provenance: Purchased Nomadic rug Traders, 1993, Exhibitions, Pathways through Paradise, Oriental rugs in Australian Collections' Exhibition., Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, September, 2004, Literature, Nomadic rug Traders, Illust. Plate 16, 'Floored Genius', Sydney Morning Herald, 1/9/2004, Peter fish
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- Paisley Pattern - The Paisley motif is a decorative design element that originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and became popular in the West during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is characterized by a teardrop-shaped or leaf-like design with a curved upper end and a tapered, pointed lower end.
In rugs and textiles, the Paisley motif is often used as a repeating pattern or border, and is typically woven or printed in contrasting colours to create a bold and vibrant look. The motif can vary in size and complexity, from small and simple designs to larger, more intricate patterns.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, shawls woven with Paisley motifs were highly prized luxury items, and were exported from Persia and India to Europe and America. The motif also became popular in the design of carpets, upholstery fabrics, and clothing.
- Boteh Motif - A boteh motif is a design element commonly found in traditional Persian and Central Asian rugs. It features a teardrop or pear shaped figure with a curved upper end and a pointed lower end, often with a curved stem and tendrils or leaves radiating out from the bottom. The boteh is thought to be a representation of a cypress tree, a symbol of spiritual growth and eternal life in ancient Persian culture, but it's also used as an ornamental motif in various art forms. It is also called Paisley design in Britain after the name of the town in Scotland famous for its weaving industry in the 19th century.
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