An Examination of Demon-like Forms in Qajar Carpets

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Volume 18, Issue 42 (9-2022) goljaam 2022, 18(42): 153-169 | Back to browse issues page

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Goljaam E. An Examination of Demon-like Forms in Qajar Carpets. goljaam 2022; 18 (42) : 10
URL: http://goljaam.icsa.ir/article-1-971-en.html

An Examination of Demon-like Forms in Qajar Carpets

Expert Goljaam ^*¹

Abstract: (9 Views)

Handwoven carpets have maintained their position among the arts of Iran from ancient times to the present day and possess considerable value. Iranian artists have played a significant role in preserving this art and, through creativity in design and motifs, have enabled carpets to embody numerous concepts in addition to their aesthetic aspect, concepts that may originate from beliefs, convictions, and myths. One of the important designs that became widespread during the Qajar period was pictorial designs, outstanding examples of which can be observed in the Hushang Shah and Prophet Solomon carpets. This research was conducted using a descriptive–analytical approach and by utilizing library sources and reliable websites. Four examples from Safavid Shahnameh manuscripts and twelve carpet panels were selected in order to analyze the Hushang Shah and Prophet Solomon carpets and answer two questions: (1) How is the depiction of demons, from the perspective of design and color composition, represented in Qajar-period carpets? (2) What similarities and differences exist between demons in carpets and those in Safavid-era manuscript paintings? Regarding the design of demons in Qajar pictorial carpets, they are depicted as semi-nude, spotted, unspotted, and with either small or large bodies, and are predominantly white in color. Through the examination and comparison of demons in pictorial carpets with Shahnameh illustrations, it was determined that, in terms of clothing, they wear skirts (in contrast to Shahnameh illustrations, in which both nude and semi-nude demons are present), and they are generally rendered in a more angular and geometric manner, while ornaments are rarely observed. In terms of color composition, the most common color found in both carpets and Shahnameh illustrations is white, although diversity of colors can be observed in both categories (carpets and Shahnameh manuscripts).

Article number: 10

Keywords: Demon, Shahnameh, Pictorial Carpets, Qajar Period, Miniature Painting

Type of Study: Research |
Received: 2026/08/15 | Accepted: 2026/08/15 | Published: 2026/08/15