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Nature and the Original Persian Carpet |
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"The carpet is nature itself; nature is at the same time a work of art" |
In most Muslim homes, a carpet is often only furniture the family lives on, worshipping, eating, sleeping, working and multiplying. The grass under ones feet, wild flowers, blooming trees dancing in the winds, birds flying or perched high on the branches, and the light of the heavens, are the carpets ornamental details. “There exists a symbolic relationship between nature and culture, each sustaining the outer world without pretending to be one and the same, it is said that the image of paradise which the carpet celebrate is a composite of the desert oases. Human beings cultivated paradise on earth by knotting and weaving carpets and planting Gardens.” Knotted into carpets are hunting scenes, garden parties in the style of miniatures, as if the season of pleasure NEVER ENDS. The carpet is nature itself; nature is at the same time a work of art. As for nature’s carpet, it is Allah’s property. It is for this reason that the traditional carpet weaver dedicates his labour to the Almighty. He begins this work each day with BISMILLAH - in the name of God, most gracious, most merciful - and connoisseurs respond with MASHALLAH - all praise due to ALLAH. Nature and the carpet act as metaphors for one another, demonstrating the nexus between the physical realm and the spiritual culture of Islam. As such a carpet deserves to be walked upon with respect. A carpet is doubly precious; it is a tribute to the DIVINE as well as a reflection of the weavers creation. |
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