Afshan

These items draw inspiration from Afshan compositions. While widely used in architecture, book design, embroidery, and other decorative arts, Afshan patterns find their most expressive medium in carpets. Noteworthy carpet styles based on Afshan compositions include Khila-Afshan (Baku, Azerbaijan), Bijar (Georgia), Herat (Afghanistan), among others. Afshans are considered some of the most accomplished and splendid carpet designs. The ornamental elements in this model are derived from the middle ground patterns of Afshan rugs, featuring spiraling tree branches that carpet-makers refer to as “bichek.” These spirals are adorned with small and medium-sized elements characteristic of Afshan designs. Spirals, both simple and complex, conclude with an element called “sonluq” (meaning ‘ending’). Resembling a fish, this is referred to as “baliq” in Azerbaijani and “mahi” in Persian.