Early 20th century, 112 x 113 cm, Persia, Varamin region

Made by Afshars in the Varamin region, this square cover once served as a sheet for spreading out flour, which was required for the daily baking of flat bread. It is plainwoven in the weft interlocking technique whereby slits in the ground weave are avoided. The brown-red field shows a design of five nested diamonds; the central diamond is accentuated by its size, variety of colours and central position. The border consists of bands of stepped interlocked forms and an outer band of reciprocal crosses. The dark blue outer edge is embellished with small brocaded blossoms and herringbone-pattern stripes. - Good condition.