boteh

Boteh is a teardrop- or almond-shaped motif widely used in Persian and broader Islamic art. The form is often stylized as a leaf or bud and appears as a central element in many textiles, especially carpets and Kashmiri shawls. In the Indian subcontinent, the motif is commonly known as buta.

Origin and name: In Persian, boteh means a leaf bud or flower shoot. The motif has many variants, including boteh jegheh (slightly angular) and boteh gol (flower-like). The term reflects a long tradition of ornamental design rather than a single fixed form.

Historical spread: The boteh appears in Persian textile and metalwork examples from medieval times and spread across Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. In Kashmir, the motif became a defining feature of 18th–19th century paisley shawls, and its popularity in Europe gave the motif the name “paisley” in reference to the Scottish city.

Usage and symbolism: Boteh is used in carpet patterns, embroidery, tilework, and architectural ornament. The motif is often arranged in repetitive fields or borders and in various scales. Symbolic interpretations often link boteh to fertility, life, and growth, though there is no single universal meaning across cultures.

Modern context: Today the boteh remains a widely recognized motif in fashion, design, and textile arts, continuing to symbolize Persian and Kashmiri artistic heritage while appearing in contemporary patterns worldwide.