Timeless Tapestries: The Enduring Art of Ancient Ornamentation

With the advent of Islam, Iranian "naqsh o negar" experienced a transformative period. While certain pre-Islamic motifs persisted, new artistic expressions emerged, heavily influenced by Islamic principles. The prohibition of figural representation in many Islamic contexts led to a greater emphasis on abstract, geometric, and calligraphic designs. This shift fostered an extraordinary proliferation of intricate patterns, including complex stellate and polygonal arrangements, arabesques (eslimi), and elaborate floral motifs (khata'i). These designs often created a sense of infinite repetition, reflecting the omnipresence of God and the cyclical nature of existence.