هنر اسلامی (Jun 2012)
A Comparative and Typological Study on the Kheshti Rugs of Saman and Chaleshtar areas; with Emphasis on the Tree Motifs of Cedar, Pine and Weeping Willow
Abstract
The area of Chahar-mahal and Bakhtiari is highly distinguishable in regard to traditional arts and handicrafts particularly hand-woven rugs. The rugs of this region are globally recognizable for their design, pattern and unique color. In many areas of this region including Saman and Chaleshtar, despite their close adjacency in terms of geographical and socio-cultural closeness predominantly in the art of weaving; many similarities and dissimilarities are present and each area bestows its own visual foundations. One of the most famous and well-known designs of Chahar-mahal and Bakhtiari especially in the mentioned areas is the Kheshti design. The design displays unique patterns and motifs that are highly diverse and the main purpose of this paper is centered on introducing the Kheshti design and its characteristics. In this paper, examples of the most renowned Kheshti rugs of the two areas are chosen and their antiquity and visual eminence is explored. Furthermore, their context and background are concentrated upon to both identify their connections and divergences and also a structure is presented with the intention of reviving the patterns for contemporary production in order to boost their place in national and global economy. Additionally, the distinctive motifs of the rugs that include principal, subsidiary and miniature motifs are introduced and analyzed.
