Typology of Pre-Texts in Kerman Pictorial Carpets of the 13th Century AH

Abstract

The pictorial carpets of Kerman produced during the 13th century AH (corresponding to the Qajar period through the early Pahlavi era) constitute an important part of Iran’s visual and cultural heritage. These carpets feature diverse designs and motifs derived from a variety of visual sources. Identifying and classifying these sources is essential for achieving a more accurate understanding of the processes of design formation and visual narration embedded in these carpets. The primary objective of this study is to identify, trace the origins of, and categorize the pre-texts that influenced the design of Kerman pictorial carpets during the 13th century AH. This research was conducted using a qualitative, descriptive–analytical approach. Data were initially collected from library sources, visual documents, and museum collections. Subsequently, selected samples of pictorial carpets were analyzed and compared with historical visual sources in order to identify and classify their corresponding pre-texts. The findings indicate that the designers of Kerman pictorial carpets in the 13th century AH drew inspiration from a broad spectrum of visual sources. These sources include pictorial works associated with classical Persian literature, religious imagery, lithographic illustrations, European paintings, portraiture, images of monarchs, and natural landscapes. Such images were reflected either directly or indirectly in carpet designs and, in some cases, were creatively integrated with indigenous artistic elements. Furthermore, the diversity of themes and stylistic characteristics represented in these images demonstrates that Kerman carpets served not only practical purposes but also expressive, artistic, and cultural functions. Visual pre-texts played a pivotal role in shaping the content and imagery of Kerman pictorial carpets. Their examination provides valuable insights into the design processes, cultural influences, and dominant artistic styles of the period. This study may serve as a foundation for broader interdisciplinary research in the field of visual arts and material culture.