Paisley is a distinctive, droplet-shaped vegetable motif of Persian and Indian origin, characterized by a curved, teardrop-like design that often features intricate, abstract patterns within its borders. The paisley pattern has a rich history in textile design, particularly in fabrics like silk and wool. Its origins can be traced back to ancient Persia, where it was known as the boteh or buta, a word meaning flower or shrub. The design was later popularized in India, especially in the Kashmir region, where skilled artisans crafted exquisite paisley shawls that became coveted fashion accessories in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. The paisley motif underwent various stylistic adaptations as it spread to different parts of the world, with notable influence in Scottish textile design, where the town of Paisley became a major center for the production of paisley-patterned shawls. Beyond its traditional use in textiles, the paisley pattern has found its way into various aspects of design, from wallpapers and interior decor to fashion and graphic design. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its versatility, as it can be rendered in a wide range of colors, scales, and configurations to suit different aesthetic preferences. The paisley motif's fluid, organic shape and intricate detailing have made it a timeless symbol of elegance, exoticism, and creative expression in the world of design.
pattern, motif, textile, fashion, print, fabric, design
Paisley is a versatile and ornamental design that has been used in various forms of art for centuries. It is characterized by a teardrop-shaped motif with a curved upper end and a straight or pointed lower end. The design is often found in textiles, such as silk, cotton, and linen, and is frequently used in clothing, home decor, and accessories. Paisley is particularly associated with the Indian and Persian cultures, and its popularity has spread throughout the world. The history of paisley can be traced back to ancient Babylon, where it was used in art and textiles. It was later adopted by the Persians and became a popular motif in their textiles. The design was then introduced to India, where it was further developed and became a staple in their textile industry. Paisley was later brought to Europe by the East India Company, and it quickly gained popularity in Scotland, where it became a symbol of wealth and status. Today, paisley is used in a variety of ways, from clothing and accessories to home decor and art. It is often associated with a bohemian or hippie aesthetic, but it can also be used in more formal settings. The design is available in a wide range of colors and can be used to add texture and visual interest to any composition.
ornamental, design, motif, textiles, India, Persian, Babylon, East India Company, bohemian, hippie
CITATION : "Daniel Lopez. 'Paisley.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=363225 (Accessed on August 02, 2025)"
Paisley is a noun derived from the Scottish town of the same name and refers to a type of textile pattern, characterized by curved teardrop shapes with pointed tips. Synonyms for the word paisley include teardrop pattern, pocket shape, and Persian print. Antonyms of the word paisley include non-patterned, solid colour, and abstract pattern. Cognates of the word paisley include the Dutch paisley, and the French peigne. Variants of the word paisley are paisleyprint, paisleyshaped, and paisleystyle.
Etymology Morphology Paisley Textile Pattern Scottish Town Teardrop Curved Tip Synonyms Antonyms Cognates Variants
Morphologically speaking, the word Paisley is linked to an ancient form of plaid that was popularized in Scotland. The name is derived from an area of Renfrewshire called Paisley, which had a particularly fine industry in the production of this type of fabric. It is suggested that the word itself is derived from the Latin pavilius which means small plaid pattern. In terms of its historical evolution, the word is commonly associated with the 18th and 19th centuries, when the patterned fabric was particularly prolific in the lavish apparel of wealthy families. Furthermore, the pattern has now become synonymous with aesthetic that is popularly used in interior design and fashion. Pragmatically, the word can denote sophistication and elegance, as the use of the pattern has been famously displayed by celebrities, fashion designers and influencers from around the world.
Etymology, Morphology, Evolution, Fabric, Fashion.
Paisley is an ornamental fabric design consisting of curved shapes resembling teardrops, similar to the shape of a feather. Paisley has been produced for centuries and has been used in many different applications, from wall-hangings to bedding to clothing. In addition to its traditional use in the textile industry, paisley motifs have been popular in various forms of art and are often associated with the international popularity of hippy and hippie culture. Paisley is also frequently used in formal and informal designs, such as on business cards and websites. It is an international symbol with a wide range of meanings.
The equivalents of Paisley in other languages are Paisley-Muster (German), Paisley-patroon (Dutch), Modello paisley (Italian), Motif paisley (French), Paisley-motiv (Swedish), Paisley-patrones (Spanish), Paisley-design (Danish), Paisley-muotok
Paisley is an ornamental design, characterized by a curved teardrop shape with a curved upper end and a pointed lower end. It is often used in a variety of colors and is often found in a variety of fabrics, such as silk, cotton and linen. The design is often used in clothing, home decor and accessories, and is particularly associated with the Indian and Persian cultures.
Paisley design, paisley motif, paisley pattern, paisley print, paisley fabric
Paisley is a graphic pattern that commonly appears in anime, comics and manga. It is characterized by a teardrop-shaped motif with a curved upper end and a straight lower end, often combined with a curved line. It is often used as a design element to add texture to certain parts of the image composition, such as background and clothing. Colors may vary, but bright and vivid colors are frequently employed in paisley designs.
Graphic pattern, anime, manga, comics, image composition, visuals, design, texture, teardrop-shaped motif, curved line, colors, bright, vivid.
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