Problem Statement:
Tabriz carpet is recognized as one of the most renowned Persian carpets, distinguished by its aesthetic elements represented through design and color. From the past to the present, the Tabriz carpet has been notable for its diversity of patterns and the application of various abstract and naturalistic motifs. In contemporary times, the feature of modernity has been added to the traditional characteristics of Tabriz carpets. Contemporary Tabriz carpets have manifested a dual perspective of traditionalism within a modern context, and their preservation and revival require constant updating and innovation. Therefore, a renewed interpretation of the Tabriz carpet is essential to reveal the convergence between traditional and contemporary elements. Consequently, the design and motifs of Tabriz carpets form a crucial basis for transforming traditional views into contemporary perspectives. This transformational characteristic has resulted from the combined influence of various production factors. Among these, the role of carpet designers is particularly significant. Due to the multiplicity of tastes among contemporary designers, the variety of preferences has notably influenced the design and motifs of carpets. The correlation between the diversity of designers' tastes and the transformation of Tabriz carpet motifs is now a prominent feature of Tabriz carpets in the modern era. Master designers of Tabriz, historically celebrated for their contributions, continue to innovate today by introducing new designs infused with artistic creativity, leading to significant evolution in contemporary Tabriz carpets. Renowned Tabriz designers have developed their styles, creating diversity in the application of designs and colors by combining traditional motifs with naturalistic elements.
Thus, recognizing the styles and structural characteristics of prominent masters' works is essential to further understanding the diversity of Tabriz carpet designs and, simultaneously, appreciating their vital role in defining the identity of contemporary Tabriz carpets. Among these designers, Master Salari, with his distinct individual style, has introduced a wide range of carpets in terms of design and color to the Tabriz carpet market. Therefore, understanding Salari's design approach is instrumental in comprehending the structure and transformation of contemporary Tabriz carpets.
Research Objective:
The objective of this research is to study and analyze the role of renowned Tabriz designers in the structure of contemporary Tabriz carpets by introducing and identifying the key elements of their works. Among these masters, the stylistic features of Master Salari’s works have been selected and presented due to their remarkable diversity in design and motifs.
Research Question:
This paper seeks to answer the following question: What are the principal structural elements of design and motifs in contemporary Tabriz carpets based on the works of Master Salari?
Research Methodology:
This research has been conducted using a descriptive-analytical method and is based on both library and field studies. Data collection and analysis have been carried out by studying books and articles related to the elements of Persian carpets, including Tabriz carpets, as well as through direct visits, interviews, and photographic documentation. Additionally, archival images of Master Salari’s designs were utilized                             .
The statistical population of this research comprises the carpet designs by Master Salari. The study samples have been selected from among his various works, based on the quality and diversity of their design and color.
Contemporary Tabriz carpets have emerged through the convergence of traditional and modern aesthetic elements. Accordingly, this research, by studying selected works of Master Salari, has identified key elements influencing contemporary Tabriz carpets, emphasizing the significant role of designers. The prominent status of Tabriz carpets owes much to the artistic creativity of celebrated Tabriz designers, who continually pursue innovation and the flourishing of Tabriz carpet art in the contemporary period                         .
Given that designers act as the principal agents in the production system of Tabriz carpets, each renowned designer possesses an individual style characterized primarily by artistic creativity. Thus, the creative role of designers is highly prominent in the diversity and evolution of designs and colors in Tabriz carpets. Recognizing the contemporary Tabriz carpet, therefore, necessitates understanding the individual styles of Tabriz carpet designers, particularly regarding their design techniques and color schemes.
In this study, the stylistic features of Master Salari’s works have been introduced and examined. Based on library studies and analysis of various aspects of his designs, Master Salari’s works can be categorized within the framework of contemporary urban Tabriz carpets, known as the "Salari Design."
In his works, the use of diverse motifs, including traditional patterns alongside naturalistic elements, forms a defining feature. This characteristic also reflects the general style of contemporary Tabriz carpet designers. A study of Salari’s wide-ranging works shows the incorporation of traditional motifs, such as boteh (paisley) with historical background, alongside naturalistic elements like Golrang (natural flowers), illustrating innovation while maintaining adherence to traditional principles in both design and coloring techniques.
Notably, Salari’s works feature a fusion of motifs — for instance, combining eslimi (arabesque) with khatai (stylized floral patterns), khatai with Golrang, Golrang with eslimi, and incorporating animalistic, human, and other decorative elements within a diverse composition.
Distinct characteristics of Salari’s designs include large corner (latchak) designs passing through the central red point, oversized medallions (toranj) extending beyond half the width of the carpet, the extensive use of naturalistic floral motifs (Golrang), the division of the carpet’s field into two parts (so-called "double fields"), the improper rotation of spiral scrolls due to the oversized corner and medallion designs, and inconsistencies in border patterns resulting in separate motif designs at corner junctions. Moreover, his designs feature extensive use of shading in the drawing and coloring of motifs.
Beyond these noted qualities, which vividly showcase the coexistence of traditional and contemporary aesthetics, some of Salari’s works present hybrid motifs that surpass the traditional norms of Tabriz carpet designers. Therefore, Master Salari’s style reflects a beautiful combination of structure and innovation, manifesting the essential convergence of tradition and modernity in contemporary Tabriz carpet design.

Keywords: Contemporary Tabriz Carpet, Design and Motif, Designers, Salari Design