19th century prayer rug featuring Rasht embroidery
Rasht embroidery (Persian:رشتیدوزی,romanized: Rashti-duzi) is a Persian art and handicraft. It is a decorative felt panel with a fine detailchain stitch embroidery, originating in the city ofRasht inGilan province,Iran.[1][2] This style of craft flourished in the 16th and 17th centuries in what is now Northwest Iran.[3] Rasht embroidery is listed as part of Iran'sIntangible Cultural Heritage byUNESCO.[4]
The exact history of Rasht embroidery is unknown, however the earliest pieces of tapestry found have been from theAchaemenid Empire period.[5] Rasht was a major silk trade center with numerous textile workshops, and an international trade port.[6] Rasht embroidery was provided for theSafavid dynasty royal courts atArdabil andTabriz.[5][2] This craft was traditionally created by men in workshops, however in modern times it is now made primarily by women.[7] Rasht embroidery is applied to decorate items include curtains, carpets, saddle cover, rugs, hats, clothes, tablecloths, bedspreads, andshrouds for tombs.[8]
Rasht embroidery is created using felted flannel wool, the designs were applied to the felt with powdered chalk that is pressed into the fabric, and the chain is stitched with colored silks using a metal crochet hook.[2] The outer portion of the image is often framed with a different color.[2]
^Moradzadeh, Fatemeh (July 28, 2011)."رشتی دوزی، بازتاب زیبایی های هزار رنگ گیلان" [Rasht embroidery, a reflection of the beauties of a thousand colors of Gilan].Magiran, No. 3164. Retrieved2022-03-13.
^Lukonin, Vladimir; Ivanov, Anatoly (2003).Lost Treasures of Persia: Persian Art in the Hermitage Museum. London, England: Sirocco. p. 244.ISBN1904310133.
