Animal Collection Rugs: Reviving Tradition Through Modern Design

|February 17, 2025
Animal Collection example, a black and gold Nobles Persian wool area rug with a contemporary style and colorway
Classic Persian peacock motifs fill the space in a contemporary colorway and pattern, a striking example of our Animal Collection’s inspiration

From the heart of ancient Persia to modern interiors, animals have carried deep meaning in Persian textiles. More than decoration, these motifs embody strength, power, and the spiritual connection between nature and humanity. The Animal Collection breathes new life into these traditional symbols, transforming them with contemporary design and luxurious craftsmanship. Each rug tells a story—woven by hand, crafted with intention, and built to last. Read on to explore the artistry behind these striking designs.

Classic red and blue Leopard carpet inspiration for the Animal Colelction with a bold cream figure on a vibrant background
In this vintage Ghashghai Leopard carpet, observe the vibrant classic red and blue tones and traditional Persian design

Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Design with the Animal Collection

For centuries, Persian weavers have drawn inspiration from the natural world, incorporating animals into their designs to convey power, spirituality, and cultural identity. The lion, a symbol of royalty and strength, once adorned Persian banners and palaces, representing divine authority. The peacock, with its iridescent feathers, signified immortality and wisdom, reflecting the beauty of the eternal soul. The Persian leopard, both graceful and untamed, symbolized the delicate balance of good and evil, embodying the raw elegance of nature.

Gray Animal Collection Leopard rug by Orley Shabahang with highlights in orange, teal and cream
A carpet from the Animal Collection showing off a classic leopard design. Notice the simplified design and contemporary colorway.
Ghashghai leopard design in red and cream with colorful animals surrounding, a bold inspiration with vibrant colors
Classic colors and a field suffuse with motifs create a definitive example of these beloved pieces that inspired our Animal Collection

The Animal Collection transforms these motifs, refining them for a modern aesthetic while staying true to their roots. Unlike their antique predecessors, these designs strip away excess, embracing clean lines and balanced compositions that harmonize with contemporary interiors. The resulting collection honors heritage while feeling fresh, bold, and undeniably modern.

Handknotted Craftsmanship: A Legacy in Every Knot

Every rug in the Animal Collection is meticulously handknotted using time-honored Persian techniques. The foundation of each piece is the warp and weft. Handknotting the pile on these threads ensures durability that will last for generations. The artisans follow detailed, centuries-old patterns while infusing each rug with subtle individuality—the slight asymmetry in a knot, the rhythm of the weave, the organic nature of the design.

Handspun wool enhances the life of each rug. Its natural lanolin content protects against wear while giving the surface a rich, supple texture. The gentle irregularities in the spun yarn create movement within the designs, allowing motifs to breathe rather than sit rigidly on the surface. These techniques, passed down through generations, makes every rug unique, a testament to the hands that created it.

Marching Flock from the Orley Shabahang Animal Collection with orange peacocks patterned on a gray background
Utilizing peacock motifs in an orderly pattern in a contemporary orange and gray colorway, the Marching Flock carpet from the Orley Shabahang Animal Collection creates a modern experience from cintage motifs

Natural Vegetable Dyes: Vibrant Yet Subtle

Unlike mass-produced carpets that rely on synthetic dyes, Orley Shabahang rugs utilize only organic vegetable dyes. This process preserves depth and variation in the colors. The natural wool absorbs these pigments unevenly, creating rich, layered hues that evolve with the light. The deep, crimson reds found in traditional Persian textiles now take on a more nuanced tone, while bold black silk outlines provide striking contrast against neutral backdrops.

Through an intricate dyeing process, the wool is bathed in pure spring water, activating the pigments without harsh chemicals. The final step? Sunbaking the wool to set the patina, allowing the colors to mature into their full vibrancy. The result is a rug that feels alive, dynamic, and effortlessly elegant.

On a pale cream background, black and silver lines in silk create a unique and modern simple Lion area rug
In stark grayscale tones, the black and silver lines in silk atop a cream wool background showcase the modern simplicity of the Animal Collection in the Lion rug

The Animal Collection: A Modern Statement with Ancient Roots

The Animal Collection is more than a revival of Persian motifs—it is a tribute to the artistry, symbolism, and technique that define Persian weaving. These rugs celebrate the raw beauty of tribal patterns, the meticulous craftsmanship of handknotted textiles, and the timeless power of natural materials. Whether you’re drawn to the minimalist strength of a lion, the rhythmic energy of a leopard, or the celestial elegance of a peacock, each design brings centuries of tradition into the modern home.

Explore the collection today and discover the timeless beauty of Persian craftsmanship.