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 design of horizontal stripes or bands in alternating light and dark tones was woven in separate vertical columns, with the relative width of each band determined by spontaneous improvisation. The various columns 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 variegation of color or ‘abrash,’ gives each piece a distinctive visual texture. Here the darker tan colors have a particularly varied abrash producing a salt-and peppered effect in relief as well as in tonality, with a special emphasis on narrow stripes to reinforce and balance the wider bands.