From Motif to Structure: An Analysis of Artistic and Technical Variables in Mehraban Double-Weft Carpet Productions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Carpet Department, Faculty of Arts, University of Arak, Arak, Iran.

10.22059/jdt.2026.408950.1174

Abstract

This study investigates the technical, structural, and aesthetic characteristics of carpet weaving in the Mehraban region of Hamadan Province. Historically recognized as a prominent hub for the carpet trade, Mehraban’s weaving tradition is a unique synthesis of the carpet-weaving culture of Turkic and Kurdish ethnicities. Using a descriptive-analytical approach combined with field observations and historical documentation, this research examines the evolution of the region’s carpet industry from the Safavid era to the present. The findings reveal that while Mehraban carpets, particularly the double-weft "Kurd-baf" varieties, maintain a high structural standard characterized by a symmetrical (Turkish) knot and a specific density ranging from 20 to 45 Raj, the industry currently faces a critical transition. Analytical results show that the aesthetic landscape has shifted from traditional "mental weaving" and geometric motifs toward complex curvilinear designs, specifically the "Se-Gol" (Gol-Farang) and "Khorshidi" patterns, which demonstrate a stylistic convergence with the Bijar school of weaving. Furthermore, the study identifies a qualitative decline due to the replacement of natural fibers with acrylic-cotton blends and synthetic dyes, reflecting market adaptations. Socially, the data confirms that 71% of the current workforce consists of rural women, establishing the craft as the primary socio-economic pillar of the region. The research concludes that preserving the indigenous identity of Mehraban carpets requires a strategic return to natural dyeing processes and the formal documentation of "Owrank" (traditional design templates) to ensure the continuity of this artistic heritage in the modern global market.

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References

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Journal of Design Thinking
Volume 6, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 147-160

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