Persian Resht Embroidery

This fine example of Persian Resht embroidery shows a large central floral design with three borders.  The patchwork design is made mainly with chain stitch silk

Resht is a port town on the Caspian Sea that sits beneath rain-filled hills which was long under Russian influence.  The embroidered textiles coming out of Resht are most often furnishings such as curtains, cushion covers, tablecloths, and all manner of decorative cloths.  These were made from mill-made broadcloth, baize, or flannel because the edges of these materials do not fray when cut, thus saving a great deal of labor.  Typically on a red ground, appliqued floral motifs cut out of the same material embroidered in contrasting colors.  The entire piece was then edged and embellished with tambour work chain stitch.  Resht work had a strong export market to neighboring Russian territories and Europe.