Fantastic Birds

This piece draws inspiration from geometric motifs of mythical birds and curvilinear designs known as islimi. Fantastic birds symbolize protection and, in some interpretations, immortality. Often, this motif is woven as a filler or border in oriental carpets. The islimi pattern, a favorite in Islamic art, is characterized by a split leaf design called “islimi,” also known as “arabesque” or “tendril.” Islimi is a popular ornament in Azerbaijan.