The word “Gonbad” translates from Farsi into “dome” in English. It refers to the ornate domes that are found in Mosques throughout the world. Therefore, Persian Gonbad rugs are those carpets that mimic the design and architecture of a mosque dome. The gonbad design features ornate concentric circles that radiate from a central, around the central rug medallion. The field of the rug is often filled with intricate floral patterns in fine detail.
Persian Gonbad Rugs and Mosque Domes
In many Persian Gonbad rugs, you can see the visual representation of what would be columns and mihrab, or Islamic prayer niches, surrounding the dome. These artistic rugs are meant to give the visual representation of looking up at the ceiling of a mosque dome. One of the elements that stands out about this specific Persian rug design pattern is the use of perspective. Many of them do not appear to be flat surfaces, giving a feeling of distance as you move toward the center of the rug. They mimic the arches of the circular dome, creating a dimensional effect.
Gonbad rugs are often in brilliant colors and have layers of intricate designs, just like the architectural feature that they represent. You can find them made of wool, silk, and a blend of these two fibers. The shimmer of silk gives them a sublime quality and creates a glow in the room as it catches the light. One technique that you will find in gonbad rugs is the use of wool for a majority of the design and using bright white silk to define certain features of the motif to make them stand out. Rugs of this design are woven with great care, and you will often find them with metallic threads throughout.
The design of the rug is intimately interwoven with the history and meaning of the architectural feature that it represents. Gonbad is the Farsi word for the dome (usually of a mosque), and in Arabic, it is called “Qubba”. It is one of the most recognizable features of Islamic art and architecture. Certain architectural features are a requirement in mosques, such as the mihrab (prayer niche) and minaret (tower). The dome is not a religious requirement, but many mosques have one or more.
The Dome Exterior Of Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque in Isfahan Iran
Even though the dome is not a necessity, it does have symbolic significance as it is a representation of the heavens and celestial features. It also creates a recognizable space for gathering. The patterns on the dome are meant to inspire a sense of awe and evoke a feeling of the divine. It represents the vault of heaven, and the floral patterns represent the idea of heaven on earth. It is also a symbol of power. The geometric patterns on the dome of the mosque are breathtaking, and so are the Persian Gonbad rugs that they inspired.
Interior Dome / Gonbad At Shah Mosque in Isfahan Iran
Although the appearance of domes on mosques dates back to 691, with the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem (which was built between 685 and 691), domes did not become a prominent feature in the Islamic architecture until the 12th century. Domes were often placed in front of the mihrab to create a sense of open space. Most of the earliest mosques in Persia began to appear during the Safavid Dynasty from 1501-1732, which is also a time when rug weaving entered its golden age. You will also find similar domes in many public buildings, such as palaces and other large buildings.
Gonbad Dome Design In Registan Mosque Samarkand Uzbekistan
Inspired Artistic Mosque Dome Design
The mosque domes that inspired gonbad design rugs have been around for centuries. From a technical standpoint, gonbad rugs are some of the most difficult to weave. They must be created with precision or the design will not have the perfect symmetry that is the core essence of these breathtaking handwoven area rugs. The gonbad design rugs that considered the best are created with a high knot per inch count because of the need to weave intricate patterns and exact designs. Occasionally, you might find them in lower know counts, but it is not common and these more commercial rugs are not a good reflection of the meaning behind the pattern.
Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque Dome Interior in Isfahan Iran
The domes of mosques often have a kaleidoscope of color that is almost hard to describe with words. They feature flawless symmetry and precision that requires years of practice and the utmost skill to achieve. The breathtaking area rugs that were inspired by these architectural features have the same features carried out in exquisite detail.
Gonbad rugs feature waves of color that radiate from the center, and in many cases, create a feeling of movement like rippling waves. Some call these rugs “leaf rugs” because the radiating motifs resemble leaves. Many of them do not have a dominant background color as you find in designs of many other modern and vintage Persian rugs because there is little background that shows in this design.
Gonbad rugs tend to have a tremendous amount of finely woven detailed design work, but their organization creates a harmonious and orderly design that keeps it from becoming overwhelming to the senses. The floral patterns of the rugs are often rendered in perfect symmetry in keeping with the overall organization of the carpet. Some describe the gonbad design as reminiscent of the rays of the sun. Some gonbad rugs have minimal borders, which accentuates this characteristic, while others have a feeling of grand spatial elements. The design often extends off the edges of the carpet, allowing the mind to imagine the space around the rug.
Kaleidoscope Geometry At Jameh Mosque in Yazd Iran
Of these rugs, Tabriz designs tend to feature the widest variety of colors. The fine Persian silk rugs from Nain and Qom tend to have more subdued color palettes. You can also find the gonbad design is a variety of shapes and rug sizes such as square, octagonal, and round rugs from these areas. Shaped weaving requires even more exceptional skill and mastery of the techniques.
Using Gonbad Rugs in Interior Design
The dome of the mosque creates a focal point for gathering, and a Gonbad rug can create a focal point in the room. The beautiful area rugs create a sensory experience in the room, much like the domes that inspired their designs. Placing the more boldly colored rugs next to a black couch in a neutral room creates a striking design. These Persian rugs are the perfect way to add color to the room and create a masterful room design that stands out for its use of color and artistry.
Gonbad rugs are a beautiful addition to traditional or contemporary designs. The colors and design are striking and the workmanship shows an exceptional level of skill. At Nazmiyal Rugs, we are proud to offer a selection of these fine rugs for your home or office. A gonbad rug always makes a statement and inspires a sense of awe.
This rug blog that talks about the history of the Persian Gonbad Rugs was published by Nazmiyal Rug Gallery In NYC.
Twenty or so years ago my father gave me a beautiful antique Persian rug - after so many years (and kids and pets) it needed some TLC, so I brought it to Nazmiyal. I just picked it up today and - wow! They got the stains out entirely and the entire rug is brighter; they also made some repairs - it's back in my living room and looks fantastic, and the bill was lower than I'd expected. Overall it was a great experience - the people are wonderful, the work was perfect, and I saw so many beautiful rugs at their store that I found myself wishing for a larger apartment. Next time I need any work done on a rug, or find an open bit of floor I know where I'll be heading.
It is always a delight going to the Nazmiyal showroom. This Qashqai is one of several purchases made over the years, and mom is truly enjoying it. Jason and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. They listen to the customeru2019s needs. When I go to the showroom, it is like visiting my family because we have the same appreciation for the textile arts.nnOriental carpets are a rare discipline to be educated in, because you canu2019t go to a university to have certain types of training and experience, such as knowing the cultures and processes of carpet weaving. Jason has such a refined eye that he can distinguish a good rug from a great rug, and that knowledge is offered to the customer to elevate their point of view.nnComing here has been an initiation into a world of culture, art, and beauty which has sustained me, and for that I am grateful.
Loved my runner rug purchase from Nazmiyal. Love the ability to purchase, try and return if it didn't work out! I had it shipped to California and everything worked out beautifully!
NAZMIYAL is the best source for antique and vintage rugs and carpets. Staff is extremely knowledgeable, Jason himself is an amazing dealer who handpicks each and every piece in his stunning collection and is happy to educate the consumer, not just make a sale. I always trust his experience and great eye for all my spaces!
I had an absolutely wonderful experience working with Nazmiyal. I was very impressed by their selection, the quality of their beautiful carpets, and their extremely reasonable prices. Really I cannot say enough about how helpful everyone at the gallery was - especially Omri, work with him if you can! - and how happy I am with my new antique rug. Five stars, highly, highly recommended!
