Iranian weavers created and developed many decorative designs, with predominance of fine and intricate arabesques that constitute the backdrop for opulent medallions, palmettes, other abstract decorative elements or realistic flower and animal motifs. Most Persian rugs are square due to having been made on traditional looms. The fact that Persia was under the influence of Shiite Islam, much more liberal than the Anatolian Sunni doctrine, gave its weavers greater freedom of artistic expression, allowing them to create images of humans, which was strictly forbidden in other Islamic countries. From the 19th century onwards, representations of human figures even started to dominate Oriental rug designs.
Color palettes are very rich and diverse but never too gaudy or contrasting. Usually, there are no extensive monocromatic fields. Colors are placed separately, often outlined with black, arranged into a harmonious whole with great panache. Red and blue as well as the combination of light.
