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 consists of horizontal stripes or bands in alternating light and dark tones. Each vertical column was woven separately, with the relative width of each band determined spontaneously by the weaver. 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 the same, despite the fact they tend to use the same design principle. On this piece the unusually high contrast of light and dark is elaborated further with narrow red and yellow stripes to underscore and excite the pattern produced by the light and dark bands. The weave here is also unusually tight and fine.