The Eternal Bloom: How a 1700-Year-Old Rock Relief Carving Inspires Perse
On a mountainside in Kermanshah, Iran, a magnificent stone carving has survived for over seventeen hundred years. The Sassanian-era rock reliefs of Taq-e Bostan show kings, battles, and gods. Among them is a quieter, more meaningful symbol: a grand, symmetrical plant commonly known as the Tree of Life.
At the very top, the tree splits into two different flowers, one male and one female. This is not just a decorative detail, but a deliberate choice. It points to one of the oldest and most important stories in Iranian mythology: the story of Keyumars, the first human.
This ancient symbol is the foundation of our identity at Perse. We have adapted this relief into the heart of our brand, installing it in our bar area and weaving its form throughout our website and design. It represents a story of purposeful creation and balance that directly inspires our culinary philosophy of curated refinement.
The Ancient Story: From the First Human to the First Plants
Long before it was carved in stone, this story was written in the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest living religions. Keyumars, whose name means “mortal life,” was the very first human, a king who brought justice and order to the world.
The myth tells us that from Keyumars, new life began in a most remarkable way. His essence returned to the earth and, nourished by the sun’s light, grew after forty years into the first plants. They are specifically described as two rhubarb stalks, growing tightly together—one becoming Mashya (the first man) and the other Mashyana (the first woman). They are the ancestors from whom all humanity is descended.
From Myth to Method: The Perse Philosophy
At Perse, we see this thousand-year-old story not as a relic, but as a living guide. It shapes a culinary approach that goes beyond simple copying into intentional evolution.
Honoring the Seed
The myth teaches us about regeneration, how the first form makes way for the next, ensuring the culture’s heart not only lasts but grows. We apply this to Persian food by finding the essential truth, or culinary seed, within a classic dish. We give it the care to flourish in a refined setting. You taste this in our Torsh Filet Chenjeh, where the foundational “torsh” marinade is honored with authentic walnuts and pomegranate molasses, then refined through a 24-hour soak for a premium filet.
The Harmony on a Plate
The creation of Mashya and Mashyana shows the need for complementary forces to create a thriving whole. This is the heart of how we compose a dish, balancing texture, temperature, sourness, and richness in careful conversation. You sense this in our Fesenjoon, where slow-simmered walnut paste is perfectly brightened by pomegranate, creating a deep yet balanced glaze.
Order & Refined Nourishment
Keyumars established order and the civilized preparation of food. This inspires us to present Persian (Iranian) cuisine in a fine-dining setting, treating hospitality as a sacred skill. You see this in our rice service, where basmati and Tahdig are treated with the same respect as the main protein.
A New Chapter at Your Table
The Tree of Life at Taq-e Bostan reminds us that the most lasting beauty grows from the deepest roots. At Perse, we are dedicated to this meaningful cycle of respect and growth.
We invite you to experience this living story on your plate, to taste the balance, sense the purpose, and take part in the next chapter of Persian cuisine.
Discover the thoughtful evolution. Reserve your experience at Perse.
BOOK Your TABLE
