Animal Motif Rugs from Ancient Times to Present

The great artisans that wove these antique carpets were masters at depicting small details that required great accuracy. The exotic animals were not always represented in nature but inspired by books and the imagination of the artists. For example, this Turkish Oushak rug features the mythical dragon and griffin entangled in a never-ending battle. This Tibetan rug also portrays the dragon motif, but in a more traditional Eastern Oriental format. Animals aren’t always so ferocious though as is exemplified in the passivity of the birds and fish in this tranquil Amritsar rug from India.

Major Rug Producing Regions that Use Animal Motifs: Turkey, Persia, China, India, Caucasus, Morocco