Marazali

This item was inspired by “Maraza” carpets, which are considered to be the most ancient among Shirvani carpets. Some of “Marazali” carpets are decorated by a specific form of “Buta”. The Marazali Buta is arguably the earliest representation of that motif in Caucasian rugs. “Boteh” means “cluster of leaves” in Farsi (sometimes translated as “cluster of flowers”) and there are many and greatly divergent theories concerning its evolution. What is certain is that it is descended from 17th and 18th century Kashmir and later Kerman “Paisley” shawls. The “glow” surrounding some versions of the boteh (notably Marazali) has been interpreted as suggestive of a religious experience. In the nineteenth century the use
of this motif had been widespread throughout Persia, the Caucasus, on Baluch rugs and in Central Asia, particularly on Ersari rugs. The item is also decorated by birds found in Marazali carpets.