Gendje rug with diagonally striped field

Gendje rug with diagonally striped field ("Ancient Gendje" design)

CODE: GJAG0100

Size (metric): 100x153cm

Size (ft): 3'3"x5'0"

Area: 1.53 m²
Density: 160 000 knots per square meter, totally ~250 000 knots

Weaving period: 2 and half months

Colors: light red, medium red, light yellow, saffron yellow, medium Persian blue, navy blue, variegated green, dark green, ivory, dark brown, light brown, aubergine.

Dyes: 100% natural dyes: madder, weld (Reseda Luteola), indigo, pomegranate skins, walnut husks, onion skins, natural brown sheep wool, natural ivory sheep wool

Materials: Handcarded and handspun wool for pile, ivory wool warps and ivory wool wefts (two shots)

Weavers' name: Safiya

Handwoven in Azerbaijan

Design: This joyfully spirited art rug is a striking example with a vivid palette of deeply saturated natural dyes and its dynamic adaptation of the classic Gendje diagonal stripe composition. The field with multicoloured diagonal stripes, containing angular floral sprays and boteh motifs, in broad madder red main border of polychrome botehs between small flower head stripes, outer dotted and barber-pole stripes.

Buta/Boteh has been used in Iran, Central Asia and Caucasus since the Sassanid Dynasty (AD 224 to AD 651). Some design scholars believe the Boteh is the convergence of a stylized floral spray and a cypress tree: a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. A floral motif called Buteh, which originated in the Sassanid Dynasty (200–650 AD) of Iran and later in the Safavid Dynasty (from 1501 to 1736), was a major textile pattern in Iran and Caucasus during the Qajar Dynasty.

In these periods, the pattern was used to decorate royal regalia, crowns, and court garments, as well as textiles used by the general population. According to Azerbaijani historians, the design comes from ancient times of Zoroastrianism and is an expression of the essence of that religion. It subsequently became a decorative element widely used in Azerbaijani culture and architecture.

The pattern is still popular in Iran and South and Central Asian countries. It is woven using gold or silver threads on silk or other high quality textiles for gifts, for weddings and special occasions.

The usage of the pattern goes beyond clothing – paintings, jewelry, frescoes, curtains, tablecloths, quilts, carpets, garden landscaping, and pottery also sport the buta design in Azerbaijan, Iran and Central Asia.

Buta/Boteh is also one of the most important ornamental motifs of Mughal Indian art, consisting of a floral spray with stylized leaves and flowers. It is used in architecture and painting and in textiles, enamels, and almost all other decorative arts. The motif began to gain importance in the reign of the Mughal emperor Jahangir (1605–27).

Boteh/buta motif may have different meanings in the different cultures: Zoroastrian flame, shrub, Scythian decorative motif, a bird, flower, cypress tree etc.