Iranian artist Mahya Ayazian has given the traditional Persian embroidery art of ‘Rashti-Duzi’ a new life by creating day-to-day items such as women’s purses, accessories and cell phone bags decorated with Rashti-Duzi patterns, under the ‘Golband’ brand name.
Ayazian says the traditional embroidery art has been in practice since around 2500 years ago in Gilan, a northern province of Iran. Due to the difficulties associated with the art, the early masters of Rashti-Duzi were mostly men but since the art did not generate sufficient income, they left it for other higher-earning jobs. The art is now practiced mostly by women.
“Rashti-Duzi is created by using silk threads on wool cloth. The use of natural silk threads often makes the products very expensive and thereby accessible only to the rich and privileged. That is why the common man was not so familiar with the art,” Honaronline quoted the artist as saying.
Six Colors
Two prominent examples of ancient Rahti-Duzi artwork include a large curtain donated to Abuali Sina Museum in the city of Hamadan and a royal costume which is preserved at the Niavaran palace in Tehran, the artist said.
“The six main colors used in Rashti-Duzi include yellow, white, orange, red, brown and grey which are inspired by the colors in nature. Blue, green and purple are also used for decorations but rarely used in traditional stitching,” Ayazian explained.
The artist accepts orders for her accessory and clothing products from customers who wish to give a traditional Persian touch to their wardrobes.
