Few motifs in Eastern art have travelled as widely, or carried as much meaning as the Persian Botteh Jeqe, the ancestral form of what the world now calls paisley. Its curved teardrop silhouette, often described as a symbol of life, growth and movement, has appeared for centuries in textiles, manuscripts, architecture and handcrafted ornaments across Iran, Central Asia, the Subcontinent and the Ottoman world.
Today, paisley is celebrated not only as a decorative element, but also as a cultural bridge; a way of carrying heritage into modern design. At Deenista, this tradition is honoured with quiet, contemporary pieces created for modest Muslim women and for homes that value beauty with depth.
This post explores how the Paisley inspired our hand-painted paisley pattern, and how the same motif now finds new life in two contemplative Islamic-inspired artworks.
The legacy of Botteh Jeqe: A motif rooted in culture and memory
Before paisley became fashionable in the West, it lived for centuries in Eastern culture as the Botteh Jeqe - a form woven into royal robes, calligraphy borders, prayer carpets and celebratory textiles.
For many Muslims, this motif holds emotional familiarity. It is a reminder of heritage, stories passed down through families, and the beauty of slow, handmade art. The shape’s soft curve is often interpreted as:
- a flame symbolising life,
- a cypress tree representing resilience,
- or a seed of potential and spiritual growth.
Its meaning shifts gently depending on the region, but its emotional language is universally understood.
A hand-painted pattern: Deenista’s contemporary interpretation
At Deenista, we wanted to bring this motif into a modern context without losing its soul. The paisley pattern used across our artworks was painted by hand, stroke by stroke, by founder Neda A. - blending classic Botteh Jeqe silhouettes with a modern colour palette and contemporary detailing of snowflakes.
The colors used are inspired by the colder seasons with a touch of winter in the paisley droplets. if you look close at the pattern, you will see that this is not a usual classic bohemian paisley print. It has all these little details that make it exceptionally unique.
“Now Is the Quiet Gift”: A paisley artwork for stillness and presence
In Islam, we are repeatedly reminded that life is a blessing entrusted to us.
Prophet Muhammad in his profound advice to Abu Dharr captured this beautifully:
“...surely you have today at your disposal and have not yet reached tomorrow. When tomorrow comes to you then be in it as you are in the present. That way, even if tomorrow does not come, you will not have regrets for all that you have neglected today.”
It is a gentle reminder that today is a gift that we have at our disposal. Not tomorrow! Today! We need to embrace it and be in it. In other words: this moment is our opportunity; once it has passed, we cannot return to it.
At Deenista, we brought this reflection into a printed-on-canvas paisley artwork titled “Now Is the Quiet Gift.”
Islamic inspired wall art with paisley motif
A unique, paisley motif artwork to bring quiet warmth into the home. The colours are gentle and balanced, making it easy to place in interiors that lean toward simplicity and calm.
The piece invites a moment of stillness, reminding us not to drift through our days but to be present, grateful, and purposeful.
This artwork is created for homes that value:
- serenity,
- reflection,
- modest beauty,
- and a grounding sense of peace.
It offers a gentle pause; a reminder that the present moment, with all its ordinary details, is often the greatest blessing.
The soft paisley motifs carry movement and tradition without overwhelming the space.
A thoughtful addition to bedrooms, living rooms, prayer corners, or as a meaningful gift.
“If Not Here, Then Where”: A paisley artwork about intention and clarity
The second artwork, “If Not Here, Then Where,” is a quiet companion to the first. It reflects on presence, direction, and the simple contentment that comes from being fully rooted where you are.
Islamic inspired wall art with paisley motif
A gentle paisley artwork designed to bring a sense of direction and grounding into the home. The soft lines and balanced colours offer a quiet presence — something that sits easily in a modest, peaceful space.
Picture this Islamic-inspired quote wall art in a dining room or living space — a reminder of how precious it is to be here, at home, in this moment.
Where else would you rather be?
And with whom other than your beautiful family?
The phrase also carries another layer: if we do not offer our love, kindness, or stories here, in our own homes and with our own family — then where?
The paisley motifs return, but with a more centred and deliberate composition. The piece speaks to:
- grounding oneself
- finding clarity
- approaching life with intention and gratitude
Whether displayed alongside its companion artwork or on its own, it carries a gentle, spiritual tone shaped by modest values and cultural heritage.
If you’d like to explore more about modest style, cultural motifs and the stories behind our designs, you can continue reading here:
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