Rug geometry

Oriental designs are more static and stylized. The geometric types have many straight lines. Even the Persian patterns which were inspired by natural forms are flat and restrained, with con­trolled curves and simplified forms.

Primitive designs like the American Indian, the Moroccan, the Swedish, are based almost entirely on straight simple lines.

Modern patterns like modern paintings are an impression of nature, never a slavish copy of detail. They are a free interpreta­tion of what the eye takes in at a glance. Both curved and straight lines are used, but the forms are never complex and fussy.

Provincial designs, like those in hooked rugs, are either geometric—based generally on the straight line—or an attempt by the untutored to produce natural forms.

These are flat and static because the complexity of modeled curves was beyond the designer's ability. The results are native forms and lines which have charm but no sophisticated formality.