Portrait of Prince Nasir al-Din Mirza 1840s

Aqa Buzurg Shirazi painted this portrait of Prince Nasir al-Din Mirza in the 19th century. Here, the prince is adorned with symbols of power and status: his tall hat, embellished with feathers, announces his rank, as does the sword hanging at his hip, a sign of military prowess and readiness. But let us consider the paisley motif on his coat. This ancient symbol, derived from the Zoroastrian “tree of life,” migrated westward across the Silk Road, becoming a popular ornamental design in Europe. It reappears on shawls, tapestries, and even clothing. The paisley’s journey reflects how symbols are never static, perpetually accumulating new meanings, and echoing across cultures and eras. These cultural echoes engage our collective memory and subconscious, creating a rich tapestry of interwoven histories.