Decoding Persian Patterns: From Ancient Meaning to Modern-Making

Over the past few months, I’ve been on a creative journey diving deep into the world of Persian patterns — not just their visual intricacies, but the deeper symbolism that lies beneath. This wasn’t just about admiring the beauty of traditional motifs, but about decoding the language of lines, shapes, and repetition. I became fascinated with how meaning is embedded in geometry — how a curve or a tile arrangement could carry centuries of history, belief, and identity.

As I studied and sketched, I began to notice recurring structures and themes — a kind of visual vocabulary. Eventually, I developed a system, or “key,” that allowed me to interpret these patterns more intentionally. This key didn’t just decode — it became a tool to create. I started using it to design new patterns that held personal meaning, inspired by tradition but built with contemporary context.

This exploration found a perfect platform when I had the opportunity to co-host the Winter Make Late event for London Locals’ terrarium-making workshop at the Crafts Council (as a member of the Youth Advisory Panel).

This was a 3-part event, and my contribution came through a rock painting activity — a hands-on, meditative process that invited participants to engage with the idea of pattern and meaning-making. Using the key I had developed, I guided attendees to create their own signs, symbols, or patterns on small rocks. These rocks became not only part of the aesthetic of their terrariums, but also personal, symbolic additions to their creations.

What surprised me most was how intrigued participants were by the key itself. They were genuinely interested in how I had put it together — how ancient Persian design principles could be interpreted into something new and personal. Many even asked to take a copy home so they could explore it further.

This experience has been incredibly meaningful. It was more than just pattern-making — it was about sharing a method of storytelling through design, empowering others to find meaning in their own visual language, and bridging heritage with hands-on creativity.

I’m excited to continue exploring how this key can evolve and be used in future workshops, installations, or even collaborations. There's something powerful about honouring tradition not by preserving it unchanged, but by engaging with it actively — decoding, reimagining, and making it your own.

Download a copy of the key below and create your own composition!

DOWNLOAD HERE