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Saturday, April 25, 2015

Uzbek Ceremonial Textile

Embroidered Textile from Uzbekistan

Patricia L. Cummings

The textiles of Uzbekistan are colorful, ceremonial, and practical. Chapans, a type of robe, are exquisitely-made. Much needlework is required to create the small bags that are used to carry the Al-Quran, the Holy Book of Islam, as well as other small things. Suzani are often a part of a woman's diary and can be useful, as in pillow covers, or decorative items to display on a wall. Traditional styles of dress vary with each region. A Koshukdon is a bag to hold silverware that hangs inside a yurt, a portable home used by nomads. Many of the items are silk adras, a combination of silk and cotton, or wool.

Chimildik  87" x 56"


We are happy to be able to show you a Chimildik that was used to decorate the front entrance to a yurt (portable housing for nomads) after a wedding to welcome the new couple. It dates from the early 20th century and is described as a "rare Suzani." Hand-dyed silk and cotton, dyed with natural substances were used. The piece is heavily embroidered. The base is velvet and is bordered by silk ikat-adras, as described by the former owner. This type of work combines Uzbek and Kirghiz techniques.

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