Tortoise or Turtle Border Design.—A design in which the figure of the tortoise is arrayed in a manner similar to that of the Herati border design. In China the tortoise stands for longevity and immortality. In India it is also auspicious inasmuch as it represents the second incarnation of Vishnu where it supports the earth on its back. (See doubletones at pp. [178] and [202].)
Tree.—Sometimes called the tree of life. Always associated with religious belief. It symbolizes Divine power and perpetual life. It has furnished more different art motives than any other object and is almost omnipresent in Persian prayer rugs. The palm signifies a blessing or benediction, the weeping willow stands for death, and the cypress, while being an emblem of mourning, in its perennial freshness and the durability of its wood, is also a very practical symbol of the life to come. It is an Oriental custom to plant cypress trees on the graves of the dead, to place its twigs in the coffins of the dead, and to use its branches to indicate the houses of mourning. (See frontispiece and doubletone at p. [99].) In India the cocoanut palm is considered "the tree of desire" or one that fulfils all desires. Its stem serves as a pillar or beam, as a water conduit and as fuel; its leaves supply mats for roofing the houses; its kernel supplies oil; its shell makes water bowls, and the oil of the shell is used as an external application in certain skin affections, etc. It is all useful and supplies all the primitive wants and therefore was much cultivated by the Rishis (Saints) of old, who called it "kalpa taru," literally the tree that supplies all desires. Its presence therefore is auspicious. (See color plate at p. [22]; also doubletones at pp. [48], [98], [210], [220], and [222].)
Trefoil, Reciprocal, see Reciprocal Trefoil.
Trellis, see Lattice.
Triangle.—Scores of Turkish patterns may be traced from the triangle. It is frequently found tattooed upon the body of the Turks as a talisman. Frequently appears as a design in the Daghestans. In India it represents mother earth and is very auspicious.
Turkish Coat of Arms, see Coat of Arms, Turkish.
Turtle, see Tortoise.