Page 8 - Azərbaycan xalçaları

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compositions and various pictures. Seventeenth century Dutch
artist Peter Andredt portrayed a Tabriz carpet in his artwork,
“Six Regents and the Owner of the Shelter for the Homeless
Poor” as does Michael van Muster in his “Tomas Khis with his
Relative and a Negro Maid.”
Famous Flemish artist Peter Paul Rubens depicts a Tabriz car-
pet with an “Afshan” composition in his work “Roman Charity.”
Italian artist Caravaggio depicts a “Khatai” carpet in his compo-
sition, “Supper at Emmaus,” indicating the interest and appre-
ciation for Tabriz carpets at this time.
One of the defining elements of the Tabriz group is the "nabat"
(candy), serving as a virtual identification mark for Tabriz car-
pets.
Many elements depicted on the carpets decoratively reflect the
environment surrounding the people. If one accepts these ele-
ments as symbols of human lives and their views, then one must
consider that the ornaments and patterns have a philosophical
meaning. As most elements depicted on Tabriz carpets consist of
“nabat,” these elements are reminiscent of natural phenomena
such as the cypress, pomegranate, willow, oak, rose, poppy, car-
nation, daffodil, tulip, iris, and water lily.
This philosophy also extends to the amazing depictions of hu-
mans, animals, and birds found on these carpets.
The patterns on the carpets have symbolic meanings reflecting
the sun, light, and the four elements, exhibiting the philosophical
views of their creators. One of the elements most widespread in
the Tabriz group was the “islimi” (arabesque).
“Islimi” take the form of a stylized leaf and were used mainly
in zigzags, at the ends of “pichek-helezun” (spiral-shaped ele-
ment with a circle in the center), or sometimes separately. They
have several different shapes: single, winged, forked, netted, and
almond-shaped.
Another element that plays a significant role in Tabriz group
carpets is the “khatai.” Some experts believe that the shape of
this element is derived from “islimi,” but with a more complex
form. The “khatai” element is long and resembles a wide leaf
with sides covered by frilly scallops. As a rule, “khatai” patterns
connect with one another and are used mostly to create complex
and stylized compositions in interval spaces and margins. The
“khatai” element is not used independently in patterns like “is-
limi.”
The spiral motif is one of the most ancient elements used in
decorative and applied arts. The basis of this motif is the repeti-
tion of spiral-shaped patterns. Although this pattern is widely
used, the appearance of this element in applied art represents a
thoughtful, artistic, and philosophical meaning.
Home interior. Kandovan. Tabriz.
Carpet trade in Tabriz market.
The Qashqais weaving a carpet.
A view of Eynali mountain.