Striking geometric shapes that recall 20th century abstract art are not what you would expect to see adorning a handmade Iranian rug. But changing tastes and increased competition from Asia have forced some in the trade to redesign and resize a tradition dating back more than 2,000 years. Ahmad Karimi, chief of the Handmade Carpet Manufacturers' and Exporters' Union, regrets that Iranian carpets are nowadays seen as "a consumer good to put in front of the door, whereas in the past it was an investment. "It's lost its status as an object of art." IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES