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 horizontal stripes or bands in alternating light and dark tones was woven separately in vertical columns, with the relative width of each band spontaneously improvised. The various columns were then sewn together and jogged to attain the staggered effect in the bands. As such each of these kilims is different, 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,’ emerge in the actual physical texture of the surface, with distinctive relief or herringbone effect. The darker tan tonality has certain boldness, underscored by the use of fewer wider vertical sections with a more monumental effect. Additional weft float diagonal stitches run across the entire surface in a latent ‘X’ configuration.