Two of the most distinctive types are dragon rugs and floral rugs. Rugs produced in Egypt from the 15th to mid-16th centuries have vivid colors with central geometric motifs or medallions and stylized plant designs. A distinctive characteristic of these carpets is the frequent lack of contrast between the borders and the central design. Indian carpets display more naturalistic renderings of Persian patterns of flowers and vines. Asymmetrical, freely drawn compositions of animals and hunting scenes on wine-red backgrounds are also typical.
Chinese carpets differ from all other Asian carpets in both design and color.
The designs in Chinese carpets are rarely decorative and often convey a specific message through symbols and emblems. The origins of Western carpets are obscure. Spanish artisans mixed Islamic motifs with European motifs such as coats of arms and Christian emblems. In the 17th and 18th centuries France was the most important center of pile-woven carpet manufacturing in Europe. These centers followed the main stylistic trends in producing carpets for royalty and wealthy patrons.