Calico work produces colored mould cloth used as table cloth, table covers, prayer rugs, etc. It is formed by printing on a cotton cloth by moulds. This technique has  been created in the 4th century A.D. in India and from there to Alexandria. Printing on the cloth was evolved in Iran during the Sassanid dynasty and new techniques were initiated in decoration of woolen and cotton clothes. This art was extended generally in Esfahan during the Safavid period. The method which is used today by most Calico workers in Esfahan is called 4 color stamp (black, red, blue, yellow), which has been substituted for brush and color since long ago because of the high quality of production. The colors are mainly from herbal pigments, which is the main reason for the stability of the color.