How to Read a Rug: Motifs, Symbols, and Structure in the Weiss-Harmen Persian Carpets

How to Read a Rug: Motifs, Symbols, and Structure in the Weiss-Harmen Persian Carpets

Edited by: Christian Answini | Fine Art Department

At first glance, a Persian rug might seem like just a beautiful floor covering—but for collectors, curators, and historians, each knot holds a deeper story. The artistry of these handwoven textiles reflects centuries of tradition, regional identity, and symbolic meaning. The Weiss-Harmen Single Owner Auction, taking place May 29th, 2025 at AlderferAuction.com, offers a chance to explore this visual language through a curated selection of Persian carpets and textiles—each one rich with history and significance. In this article, we explore four featured Persian rugs from the auction and examine how to “read” their designs—decoding the motifs, symbolism, and structure that make each piece more than just decorative. Understanding these elements not only deepens appreciation but also helps collectors recognize the value and origin of each work.

The Medallion Structure: Two Contrasting Heriz Carpets (Lots 375 & 377)

The Persian Heriz carpets in Lots 375 and 377 are outstanding examples of regional weaving traditions from Northwest Iran, yet they present two distinct interpretations of the iconic medallion structure. Lot 375 displays a richly layered central medallion surrounded by angular vinework, stylized blossoms, and serrated leaves that fill the entire field with visual density. The use of saturated reds and deep blues combined with lighter ivory accents creates a dynamic and detailed composition, characteristic of village Heriz weaving. Its heavy ornamentation reflects the influence of tribal motifs interpreted within a formal framework.

                                           #375 • Persian Heriz Carpet                                                      #377 • Persian Heriz Carpet

Lot 377, by contrast, offers a crisper presentation of the Heriz format, featuring a defined double diamond medallion framed by stepped ivory corner spandrels. The angular field is filled with geometric rosettes and stylized foliate forms. Its structured layout and bold contrast in color are classic to Heriz designs, offering symmetry and visual clarity in a bold palette of brick red, navy, and ivory. Together, these two rugs demonstrate how the same core design language—a medallion-based composition—can vary dramatically in execution depending on regional influence, aesthetic intent, and even weaver tradition.

Tribal Geometry in Motion: The Serab Runner (Lot 376)

The Persian Serab Runner (Lot 376) shifts the conversation toward a more tribal and architectural format. Woven in the East Azerbaijan region of Iran, this runner format was traditionally made for narrow architectural spaces and is known for its durability and symbolic richness. This example is defined by alternating diamond medallions edged with serrated outlines, filled with stylized plant and animal forms, and framed by angular motifs. These geometric elements are more than decorative—they echo symbols of protection, fertility, and harmony within the natural world. The subtle palette of rust, cream, and indigo tones reflects the natural plant-based dyes used in the region. The repeating structure and compact design elements are hallmarks of Serab weaving, prized among collectors for their balance of simplicity and symbolic depth.

#376 • Persian Serab Runner

Spiritual Symbolism in the Kashan Prayer Rug (Lot 378)

The Kashan Prayer Rug (Lot 378) presents a different kind of structure—one rooted in spiritual practice and decorative refinement. Woven in central Iran, Kashan has long been a center of high-quality textile production, and this piece reflects the region’s emphasis on artistic sophistication.
At the base of the rug sits an elaborately drawn vase from which a symmetrical tree of life blossoms upward. This lush field of stylized flowers, palmettes, and scrolling vines is framed by a scrolling border of floral motifs on a navy ground. While the rug lacks a formally drawn mihrab arch, the vertical orientation and blossoming layout visually nod to prayer rug conventions and spiritual symbolism. This format transforms the textile from decorative object to devotional tool—used in daily prayer while simultaneously serving as an expression of artistic and cultural identity. The tight knotting and fluid design reflect the refined quality associated with Kashan weavings.

#378 • Kashan Prayer Rug

Why Motifs Matter: Cultural Language in Wool and Dye

Across these four rugs—Lot 375 (Heriz Carpet), Lot 376 (Serab Runner), Lot 377 (Heriz Carpet), and Lot 378 (Kashan Prayer Rug)—a visual and cultural language unfolds. The central medallions speak to balance and structure; the diamond patterns and serrated outlines suggest protection and fertility; and the tree-of-life motif in the Kashan piece reflects spiritual aspiration and beauty. Understanding how these motifs and structures function allows collectors and institutions to engage more meaningfully with the rugs they acquire. Each one tells a regional story, woven in wool and dyed with intention, and offers a lasting record of tradition.

A Deeper Collection: Persian Rugs Within a Rich Historical Auction

While the Persian rugs are a highlight, they are just one element of the broader Weiss-Harmen collection. The May 29th auction also includes American and Continental silver, with works by noted female silversmiths, alongside fine jewelry from Boucheron and Cartier. There is a rare grouping of Victorian “eye” jewelry, mourning jewelry, mourning textiles, samplers, a flamestitch purse dated 1774, 17th-century Dutch brass tobacco boxes, Chinese export porcelain, historical creamware, and Revolutionary-era Continental currency. This collection offers a uniquely cohesive glimpse into the personal vision of a refined collector, where textiles, silver, ceramics, and jewelry speak across centuries. Visit the Weiss-Harmen Auction on May 29th Whether you’re a seasoned textile collector, a museum professional, or simply someone fascinated by symbolic design, the Persian carpets in the Weiss-Harmen auction offer a compelling entry point into centuries of artistic and cultural heritage. Explore these and other remarkable objects in the Weiss-Harmen Single Owner Auction on May 29th, 2025, hosted by Alderfer Auction. View the full catalog and register to bid at AlderferAuction.com.