Mafresh Shahsavan Iran 150 X 57 X 55 Cm

Shahsavan wool, circa 1950. Excellent condition. Rare. Some traces of use.

The mafresh also called farmash is a large bag used when moving the group, which had the function of a chest. It was used to store clothes, blankets (djajims) but also dishes and kitchen utensils. In anticipation of her marriage, the young girl Shahsavan made a pair of mafreshs. One for clothes, the other for blankets, etc. The mafreshs without flap are carried out by the shahsavans of Moghan and Mianeh.
The territory of the Shahsavans lies to the south and west of the Caspian Sea, in Iranian Azerbaijan. Made up of Kurdish, Persian, Turkish, Tajik and Caucasian ethnic groups, the Shahsavan confederation was formed under the reign of the Safavid ruler Shah Abbas (reign 1587-1629). Shahsavan means "those who love the Shah".
This mafresh with soft colors is a fine example of the know-how of young Shahsavans girls by its finesse of weaving and its elegance. The pattern (diamonds), on the sides made in soumak, is inspired by an old brickwork. On either side of this motif are represented zoomorphic birds. This mafrey is presented returned. To maintain it we have put a very compact bultex block to sit on.