Ontwerp voor een tapijt c. 1854 - 1864

This carpet design presents a wealth of visual symbols ripe with cultural echoes. The dominant paisley motif, with its curved teardrop shape, speaks of ancient origins, possibly rooted in Persian or Indian designs symbolizing life and eternity. Note how this motif has journeyed across continents and centuries, resurfacing in different forms and functions, from royal garments to bohemian fashion. Its adaptability reveals the human inclination to adopt and adapt symbols, imbuing them with new emotional weight. Like the serpent, the continuous curve embodies the eternal return. Consider the floral patterns interwoven within the paisley; these could represent fertility and abundance. Such recurring imagery connects us to ancestral beliefs and rituals, resonating on a subconscious level. In essence, this carpet design is not merely a decorative object; it is a vessel carrying our collective past.