WikiRug:Featured Article/2023/4

The most common design format in Persian carpets is a central field enclosed by a border of patterned stripes alternating with narrow bands of solid colors. The borders of Persian carpets generally have three or more patterned bands; the widest is called the “main stripe” and those flanking it “minor” stripes. The narrow bands of solid color that usually separate the main and minor stripes are known as “guards”. Carpet formats may be categorized further as either directional or nondirectional. The former include pictorial, prayer-niche, and naturalistic vegetal designs intended to be viewed from a single vantage point. Nondirectional designs, on the other hand, are coherent when viewed from any angle; examples include radial designs, as well as abstract repeat patterns associated with tribal weaving.(Full article...)