Rosette (Vardyak) is a traditional Armenian design element, which goes back to the ancient images of the flower of life on the petroglyphs of the Armenian Highland.
In the pre-Christian times, this ornament, in its multiple variations, symbolized the star of eternity, the Sun, which ascends and descends, akin to a flower, opens and closes, dies and arises again each new day. The traces of old beliefs related to the significance of flowers can often be found in their folk names like immortelle, everlasting. The Armenian culture in general is amazingly rich in floral imagery. No wonder, medieval Armenian miniature painters were called tsakhkogh, meaning “the one who embellishes in flowers.” Tsakhkazard, literally “adorned in flowers,” is also the name of one of the most beloved spring feasts, which marks the Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday).
From times immemorial, the floral designs could be found in décor all over the area, whether in the medieval manuscripts, or banners and emblems of noble families, or even on kitchenware, such as glazed pots. Yet, the most exquisite floral motifs appear in the medieval Armenian stone carvings, where rosettes became a prominent element.
Throughout almost two millennia, since the early Christian middle ages and until present day, Armenian rosettes have been suggestive of the rose flower, the symbol of Christ, while the floral motif, which had originated during the Sun worshiping age, came to signify the all-triumphant power of the Cross.
Rosettes are an integral part of carved bas-reliefs of the Armenian churches, and many khachkars, objects of outstanding artistry unique to the Armenian culture, owe their splendor largely to their rosettes. The round Armenian rosettes appearing on khachkars are reminiscent of the most exquisite lace.
Their complex ornaments and elegant weavings are similar to those of the mandala, a Buddhist symbol of eternity, however, unlike those, rosettes are always combined with the images of the cross. A cross can either be located in the center of the rosette, or appear in the cross-shaped weavings, or a crowning rosette may be placed above the top bar of the cross. Rosettes contain six, eight, ten, or sixteen petals. Rosette’s filigree weaving can be loose or tight, but in either case even the tiniest detail of the ornament has its own symbolism. Rosettes that contain eight petals are most common.
The Armenian rosette is prominently featured in the Armenian Collection of the Anna Avakian brand, and we are pleased to offer you the undying symbol of eternity, the flower of life.
Watch the video: how the jewels are created
