Kilim cod. 0582. Wool. Mazandaran area.Northwestern Iran. Late 19th. century.Perfect condition. Cm. 145 x 202 (57 x 79.5 inches). The Mazandaran kilims produced for local use in the Caspian region of Northwest Iran represent one of the most authentic traditions of Persian flatweave weaving, although their minimalist approach to design often appears strikingly modern in its graphic simplicity. This unusual piece has a design of horizontal alternating bands of red, black, ivory, yellow and blue with additional dark narrow stripes articulating the border red areas into smaller bands. Each vertical column was woven separately, 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 principle. The modulations in the tonality of each band, with extensive variegation of color or "abrash", gives each piece a uniqueness all its own, with a distinctive visual texture. The use of multiple colors here, along with the added sewn embellishment in the stripes at either end, is quite extraordinary within the general tone-on-tone approach customary on Mazandaran kilims.