Tree of Life Rugs: Timeless Beauty and Symbolism

Tree of Life Design Rugs and Carpets

Tree of life rugs – While the tree of life meaning varies throughout different cultures and religions, its sacred properties are something we can all agree on. This iconic inspiring symbol has taken on many names throughout time, including ‘The Cosmic Tree’, ‘The Holy Tree’, and ‘The World Tree.’ And so, it is evident that its magical versatility is what makes it so powerful.

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Fine Floral Tree Of Life Oversized Antique Persian Vase Design Khorassan Garden Rug 71842
Size: 12 ft 10 in x 24 ft 9 in (3.91 m x 7.54 m)

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Oversized Tree Of Life Design Antique Persian Kashan Rug 49755
Size: 13 ft 8 in x 23 ft 3 in (4.17 m x 7.09 m)

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Large Fine Vase Design Antique Ivory Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug 71777
Size: 12 ft 3 in x 18 ft 6 in (3.73 m x 5.64 m)

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Beautiful Fine Neutral Decorative Large Antique Persian Tabriz Vase Tree Of Life Design Abrash Rug 71992
$39,000.00 Size: 11 ft 7 in x 16 ft 8 in (3.53 m x 5.08 m)Purchase

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Cypress Tree Garden Design Vintage Tribal Bakhtiari Area Rug 72510
$28,000.00 Size: 11 ft 2 in x 13 ft (3.4 m x 3.96 m)Purchase

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Beautiful Fine Antique Floral Vase Tree Of Life Persian Haji Jalili Tabriz Rug 72227
$28,500.00 Size: 9 ft 6 in x 12 ft 10 in (2.9 m x 3.91 m)Purchase

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Decorative Light Blue and Brown Fine Floral Antique Persian Room Size Khorassan Rug 49631
$29,500.00 Size: 9 ft 10 in x 12 ft 10 in (3 m x 3.91 m)Purchase

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Prayer Design Antique Persian Kerman Floral Rug 72869
$26,500.00 Size: 10 ft 8 in x 12 ft 4 in (3.25 m x 3.76 m)Purchase

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Tree Of Life Design Antique Persian Bakshaish Rug 70874
$36,000.00 Size: 9 ft 1 in x 12 ft (2.77 m x 3.66 m)Purchase

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Fine Floral Antique Persian Kerman Tree Of Life Rug Signed “Taftanchian” 72145
$14,750.00 Size: 6 ft 8 in x 8 ft 8 in (2.03 m x 2.64 m)Purchase

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Prayer Design Tree Of Life Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Rug 72857
$26,500.00 Size: 4 ft 1 in x 6 ft 9 in (1.24 m x 2.06 m)Purchase

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Antique Persian Sarouk Farahan Tree Of Life Rug 43502
Size: 4 ft 4 in x 6 ft 8 in (1.32 m x 2.03 m)

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Artistic Antique Silk Uzbek Tree Of Life Design 19th Century Embroidery Textile 47242
$9,000.00 Size: 4 ft x 6 ft (1.22 m x 1.83 m)Purchase

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Antique Persian Tabriz Silk Prayer Rug 70227
$22,000.00 Size: 4 ft 3 in x 5 ft 6 in (1.3 m x 1.68 m)Purchase

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Fine Luxurious Tree of Life Pattern Prayer Design Vintage Persian Silk Qum Rug 72768
$5,450.00 Size: 3 ft 3 in x 5 ft (0.99 m x 1.52 m)Purchase

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Antique Persian Tree of Life Rashti Embroidery Textile 45527
$7,800.00 Size: 4 ft 4 in x 5 ft (1.32 m x 1.52 m)Purchase

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The Meaning of the “Tree of Life” Design Motif in Antique Rugs

Tree of life rugs feature a popular motif in oriental carpets, pottery and other decorative items. Since the symbol is found in many different cultures around the world, its exact origin is obscure. However, scholars believe it originated in ancient Mesopotamia, although the tree’s features have transformed over the centuries.

Tree Of Life Symbolism

The earliest known Mesopotamian “Tree of Life,” which dates back to 2,500 BCE, depicts a Sumerian god standing in front of two sacred trees. A black steatite cylinder seal from the same period shows a goddess picking fruit from a sacred palm tree. This could have been the inspiration for the story of the forbidden fruit in Genesis.

Tree Of Life Meaning As depicted in An Ancient Mesopotamian Slab

The Babylonians, who conquered the Sumerians, believed that the Tree of Life was a magical tree that grew in the center of paradise. They believed that the water that flowed out of its roots irrigated their land. In the epic of Gilgamesh, the hero acquires a plant that has the power of rejuvenation; but he loses it to a snake, which acquires the ability to renew itself by shedding its skin.

In the first half the first millennium BCE, the Tree of Life concept spread all over the near east, and presumably from there to the rest of the old world. As it spread, it took on many different shapes and meanings:

• In the Neo-Assyrian Empire, the Tree of Life symbol featured prominently on royal garments, official seals and wall paintings.

• In Egyptian mythology, the first couple on earth, the god Osiris and goddess Isis, emerged from an acacia tree belonging to a primordial goddess called Lusaaseta.

• In ancient Armenia, it was a religious symbol drawn on the walls of fortresses and carved on the armor of warriors.

• In Georgia, the Borjgali is a symbol made of the sun with seven rotating wings over the Christian Tree of Life, symbolizing the continuity between the past, present and the future.

• In Turkic and Mongolian mythology, the Tree of Life, drawn like a birch tree, is the cosmic axis between the earth and the sky and regarded as the creator deity Bai Ulgan.

• In Norse mythology, the Tree of Life appears as Yggdrasi, the world tree. It’s usually represented by an oak tree, which was sacred to Thor, the thunder god.

• In Greek mythology, it was represented by the oak tree which was sacred to Zeus, the king of gods. Priests in ancient Greece would interpret the rustling of the oak’s leaves to make divine announcements.

Tribal Tree Of Life Design Rug

Many other cultures around the world, including the Yakuts, Tatars and other ethnic groups of Siberia, Navajos and other native people of North America, and various ethnic groups of Eastern Europe and Asia have their own versions of the “Tree of Life”. But it can be surmised that they all have their root in ancient Mesopotamia.

Thus, tree of life rugs and the concept of “Tree of Life” predates Jewish, Christian and Muslim traditions. In its purest form, it stands as giver of life. However, Oriental rug weavers adapted the design to reflect the meaning compatible with their own local religion and culture. In every tradition in which this motif is found, it is an important symbol of life and abundance.

Andrew Karam

a month ago

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.

Raven Ziegler

4 years ago

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.

Emmy C.

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!

Paul Rousseas

a year ago

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!

Chelsea Phillips

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!