The Mazandaran kilims produced for local use in the Caspian region of Northwest Iran represent one of the most authentic traditions of Persian rug weaving, although their minimalist approach to design often appears strikingly modern in its graphic simplicity.
Here the horizontal stripes or bands in alternating light and dark tones were woven in separate columns that were then sewn together and jogged to attain a staggered effect in the bands. As such no two of these kilims are alike, despite the fact they tend to use the same design principle. The modulations in the tonality of each band, with extensive variegation of color or ‘abrash,’ gives each piece a special uniqueness with a distinctive visual texture and a physical texture as well. The bold nubby weave which allows the warps to show through between the wefts produces a three-dimensional, checkered effect in relief resulting from the intersection of the horizontal bands of color and the vertical patterns of the underlying warp threads.