Kerman Carpet with Cypress Tree Pattern

In this monumental carpet, butas are organized in not only horizontal but also diagonal rows that create a sense of dynamism despite the rigid format. The tear-drop shaped designs known as butas in Persian were used widely throughout the Islamic world. Here, they closely resemble cypress trees. This carpet was probably made in the city of Kirman, located in southern Iran. Famous for a storied history of weaving, Kirman was also well-known for its production of thick, lush wool used to make rugs, shawls, and other textiles for export. Many of these textiles, such as the shawls, featured buta and helped make the motif popular worldwide.