The designer, who has long been fascinated by the motifs, symbols, and craft techniques of ancient arts and cultures, has got her inspiration and by transforming them into her own modern language, has applied some of these symbols and motifs to her designs. The result is a limited-edition collection of handmade contemporary cushions inspired by traditional motifs, and techniques. The symbols are not just decorative but convey higher meanings.
The design of this cushion, in particular, is inspired by the Persian Paisley (Boteh) decorative motif in the traditional arts representing a floral spray combined with a cypress tree, a Zoroastrian symbol of life and eternity. The seed-like shape Boteh is also thought to represent fertility. Each cushion takes over many hours to embroider and embellish and is made by expert local needlework female artisans in their homes, a craft that has been handed down from mother to daughter over many centuries.
In every society, art emerges in the form of symbols and motifs. Boteh in Persian means bush, cluster of leaves, or a flower bud. This asymmetrical geometric floral pattern signifies royal sovereignty and nobility. It was the focal design in the headgears of the Persian kings since Shah Abbas the Great of the Safavid Empire of Iran and in recent history, the motif can be found in fabric and carpets as well as woolen scarves from Kashmir.
