Polonaise Rug c. 17th century

This Polonaise Rug presents a rich tapestry of floral motifs and curvilinear designs, characteristic of Persian weaving traditions. These stylized blossoms, palmettes, and meandering vines, resonate with the Garden of Paradise imagery, symbolizing renewal, beauty, and abundance. The motifs echo across time and geography. We see echoes of the lotus flower, a sacred symbol in both Eastern and Western art. In ancient Egypt, it represented rebirth; in Buddhist art, it symbolizes spiritual purity and enlightenment. This floral language transcends mere decoration, revealing a deeper, almost subconscious yearning for harmony and paradise. The rug's intricate patterns evoke an intense emotional response, drawing us into a contemplative state, not unlike the effect of a mandala, where the cyclical designs represent the cosmos and the eternal return. Its interwoven threads, therefore, become pathways through our collective memory, reminding us of the timeless human quest for beauty and meaning.