No matter how well woven and rich in color, the Oriental rug probably would cease to fascinate without its seemingly infinite variety of designs. Regions develop and jealously guard their own patterns and designs, passing them down from generation to generation. By studying a design, it often is possible to date a carpet and determine where it was produced. To a certain extent, carpet-weaving areas can be divided into those using floral designs and those using geometric shapes and patterns.
Floral patterns dominate in Persia and India.
In Turkey, both floral and geometric designs are used, although the latter are more common. Chinese rugs are easily recognized by patterns that include dragons, monsters or fabulous birds. Most creatures possess symbolic meaning, and, in China, the dragon represents imperial power and also has strong associations with Confucianism. Scenes of fighting animals on Oriental carpets typically represent the struggle between good and evil. Plants, flowers, and even geometric motifs, also have special meanings.