This cover is an example of embroidery from Azerbaijan. It dates from the late 17th century. At that time Azerbaijan was larger than the modern republic. It reached further to the south and the west, with Tabriz as its main town.
Technically embroideries from Azerbaijan fall into three groups. This piece, worked in cross stitch, is an example of the earliest. Until recently textile historians thought that these embroidered designs were copied from hand-knotted carpets. However, we now think that the carpet-weaving industry took its inspiration from these embroideries and not the other way round.