The harmonic ornamental patterns following a more conservative background, is what makes Tabriz rugs so iconic. Typical Tabriz rugs have very diverse designs such as medallions, Herati/Mahi, to figural, pictorial, and even 3-d shapes. Rug making has been passed down from generation to generation, the art form and rugs themselves are a most treasured heirloom. Some rarer Tabriz rugs depict mosques, lions, and other images of battle. Often times the designs for Tabriz rugs were inspired by covers of ancient books.