Description
Kerman embroidery is one of Persia’s most distinctive regional textile traditions, celebrated for its dense wool stitching, glowing colours, and motifs that echo both Persian carpets and Kashmiri shawls. It includes two closely related forms: classic Kerman embroidery and the more widely known Pateh (Pateh‑duzi), both worked in Kerman province in southeastern Iran
What Defines Kerman Embroidery?
• Wool-on-wool construction
The ground cloth is usually a wool twill, often in red, but also black, blue, or white.
• Motifs with deep symbolism
Common designs include buteh (paisley), stylised flowers, cypress trees, sun motifs, and occasionally mihrab arches.
• Rich, textured stitches
Artisans use blanket stitch, double buttonhole, satin stitch, stem stitch, straight stitch, and tent stitch, often in multi‑coloured worsted yarns.
• Historical cross‑pollination
There are strong stylistic links to Kashmir embroidery, likely due to the migration of Kashmiri weavers to Kerman in the 19th century.
Pateh (Pateh‑duzi): The Iconic Kerman Style
Pateh is the most famous form of Kerman embroidery and is still widely practised today.
Key Characteristics
• Entirely hand‑stitched wool embroidery on ariz or shal (wool twill).
• Floral, abstract, and carpet‑inspired motifs, including toranj medallions, cypress trees, and paisleys.
• Natural dyes traditionally used: henna, madder, pomegranate, walnut husks.
• Borders densely filled with repeating motifs, giving a glowing, tapestry-like surface.
• Cultural role: essential in bridal dowries, heirlooms, shrine donations, and festive textiles.
