Azerbaijan cargo bag or Mafrash - Bedding Bags , the front, back and side panels woven in horizontal bands, the center of repeating blue, red and ivory hooked octagonal, within two geometric motif secondary borders.
Mafrash have been made in the largest numbers by Shahsevan tribal people and other groups in NW Iran and across the border in Azerbaijan. Others were made in Georgia and Armenia. A majority are intricately woven soumak; others are slit-tapestry, sometimes with narrow contrasting soumak bands.
The designs involve some repeat pattern, or diaper, the herāti, in which a diamond lattice pattern peeps through a tangle of blossoms and leaves or through intricate versions of the boteh, a leaf with curling, The rug is prized for his fine, delicate design and his distinctive, weaving technique. display a precise, crisp somewhat geometric drawing that corresponds to the precision of the weave. Colors tend to be varied and rich, but soft as well.
Tabriz carpets are distinguished by their excellent weave and by their remarkable adherence to the classical traditions of Persian rug design. The city of Tabriz, was the earliest capital of the Safavid dynasty.
One of the most important figures in Tabriz rug making was the master weaver Haji Jalili and best known today for his incredible and unique approach to rug-making and his preference for distinctive color palettes and design elements. Haji Jalili is especially known for mixing lighter colors -- such as pinks, golds and grays -- into the design of his rugs.
The results of the archeological digging in Azerbaijan validate the antiquity of the carpet weaving traditions on this land. This Iranian province used to embrace not only a large portion of north-western Iran, but also part of the southern Caucasus.
