Mid 19th century, 185 x 185 cm, Western Central Persia, Zagros region

Collection VOK: Caucasus - Persia 80

Composed of two panels, this square plainwoven cover displays an abstract design of colourful vertical bands of varying widths. The technique employed is a warp-faced weave but the wefts – largely covered and diverse in colour – are visible through the warps, creating a checked effect similar to tartan fabrics. In an article published in HALI, Tanavoli states that Luri who immigrated to the Zagros Mountains were the first to weave such covers in the region, introducing the type which was later adopted by Bakhtiari and Qashqa’i tribal groups. Covers of this kind are known as "jajim" or "mowj". The Vok example stands out on account of its fine weave, the excellent quality of its wool and its wealth of colours. It is probably one of the oldest surviving examples of its kind. – Original finishes all around, signs of age and wear, one major hole.

TANAVOLI, PARVIZ, Waves from the Zagros. In: HALI 52, London 1990, ill. p. 109 *** WILLBORG, PETER, & ALBERTSON, INGEMAR, Woven Magic. A Book about Kilims. Stockholm 1992, no. 80

TANAVOLI, PARVIZ, Waves from the Zagros. In: HALI 52, London 1990, ill. p. 109 *** WILLBORG, PETER, & ALBERTSON, INGEMAR, Woven Magic. A Book about Kilims. Stockholm 1992, no. 80