Analyzing the traditional motifs of Afshan carpets of the Pahlavi period based on thematic analysis (case study: Malek museum)

Carpet weaving is one of the main productions of the Iranian people, passed down from generation to generation. Some of the hand-woven carpets exhibited in museums serve as evidence of this rich heritage. Understanding the structure of these carpets opens the door to unraveling the intricacies of their creation. This article aims to explore the physical and conceptual aspects of Afshan carpets, delving into their symbolic meanings. Through applied research and a structural approach, this study contributes to documenting and preserving the fundamental principles underlying Afshan carpets. Using both quantitative and qualitative strategies, along with library and field methods, this research employs descriptive, analytical, adaptive, and inductive reasoning methods to elucidate the philosophical depth and significance of the motifs present in Afshan carpets. To achieve this, a case study approach was adopted, focusing on seven carpets with Afshan designs from the Malek Museum. These carpets were selected based on design homogeneity and the period of their production. The structure and design serve as the two key elements shaping the texture of a carpet. The design principles and rules are influenced by the culture, customs, and religious teachings of the society, manifesting content in symbolic forms. These themes encompass various elements, including plant motifs symbolizing life, imaginary forms prevalent in mystical traditions, and mapping forms found in visual dimensions like the Islimi designs, which represent the concept of unity in diversity and the mystical symbol of monotheism. These elements play a crucial role in shaping the motifs found in Afshan carpets.