Symmetry and Pattern: The Art of Oriental Carpets

http://mathforum.org/geometry/rugs/    ( Symmetry and Pattern: The Art of Oriental Carpets )

The mathemeticians can explain what is happening -- and it is fascinating. But humble artisans make it reality from a talent written in our humanity.

"Oriental Carpets have long been appreciated for their beauty. That beauty is achieved through the choice of colors and designs, as well as by the manipulation of designs and colors to form pleasing patterns."

"Patterns in Oriental carpets are never quite what you expect - a surprise here, a flourish there, a change of color, the flip or rotation of a design where you might not predict it. The more you look, the more variations you will find. How can we explain this phenomenon? Is it the result of human choice, or human error?"

"The study of symmetry offers one approach to analyzing patterns in Oriental carpets. Through symmetry analysis we may identify areas of pattern that exhibit expected repetitions, and areas that vary from that expectation."

Persian Master Rug Makers: Seirafian (Beauty is Truth)

"If something is exceptionally well done it has embedded in its very existence the aim of lifting the common denominator rather than catering to it. " Edward Fischer

http://seirafian.blogspot.ca/

Mohammad Seirafian along with his father Haj Reza Seirafian is the founder of Seirafian Carpet. He is the greatest designer and producer of Persian Carpets in the twentieth century.
He is also a scholar and philanthropist. In a tremendous act of generosity, (and with zero support from any governments) he donated his greatest masterpiece to the United Nations to bring a message of peace and unity to the the world. This incredible masterpiece contains more than 1350 knots per every square inch and took 10 years to make! It is a testimony to the men and women of Iran, who put their hearts and souls into this beautiful work of art to express the humanity of the Iranian people to the rest of the world. Seirafian will go down in history as one of the greatest, most influential artists of our time.

Mohammad Seirafian's masterpiece, "Oneness of Mankind", in the UN Headquarters in New York. The 25 square meter (approx. 16'3" x 16'3") rug contains the famous verse from the 12 century Iranian poet, Sa'di Shirazi. The verses of the famous poem, "Oneness of Mankind" is woven into the rug  in pure gold.