Cross Stitch Embroidery of Central Asia

Hello All,

 Cross stitch is very popular worldwide, but in central Asia, it is not very common, cursive embroidery styles are much more popular. But it does exist, and forms a distinctive style. It is most closely associated with one Tribe of Uzbeks who are still nomadic, the Lakai. The various peoples of Central Asia are closely linked with each other, and there was and  is much trade between the various nationalities, and mutual cultural influence as well. Today i will present images of various items from different sources. I hope that some of you will find these designs interesting enough to use them.
In this region, cross stitch is always worked very densely, covering the entire ground fabric. The color scheme is warm, the images are often large and blocky. It often serves to strengthen fabric that is to be used for purposes that need reinforcement.  I will start with images from Uzbek sources. Most are geometric designs, like this wall bag.

Many of these images were greatly enlarged, but i believe that they can still be graphed by those who like the designs. Being nomads, the Lakai have need of many sorts of bags and cases in which to carry things. Here is a spoon bag.

Here is a case designed to carry a porcelaine bowl or cup

Here is a bag designed to carry mirrors

As you can see, this has cursive floral designs, which are also found in cross stitch, but less commonly. They are also found in items of personal clothing and accessories. here is a man's cap. Being muslim, Uzbeks and the other central Asian men wear these caps, which have great variety in shape color, and ornament.

Here is a purse, meant to be worn suspended from a belt, as the traditional clothing had no pockets. This has the famous 'boteh' motif, which is derived from Kashmir.

Here is a bag designed to carry toiletry articles, and is attached to a loop meant to hang from a belt, which is also embroidered.

Here is a cuff from a man's chalat, or robe. This is very unusual.

Here is a pair of cuffs from aTurkmen woman's salwar, or baggy pants.

Here is a cloth for covering bread, among other uses.

and here is a closer look at the design.

Here are a couple of men's belts

This is a part of a child's bib, which combines turkmen designs with this Lakai Uzbek section

Here are a couple of Pillows found in a Kirghiz Yurt.

Here is a woman's cap and another personal bag.

And just one more image. This is a detail of a Tadjik Bridal veil. It was embroidered in silk, and not in cross stitch, but it is a design that would be very easy to do in cross stitch, and was possibly copied from a cross stitch original.

I was only able to find a couple of images in any one book, so this is a minority ornament in central Asia, and yet it has its own definite style. I hope that you enjoyed this presentation of a textile tradition. I also hope that you will be inspired to go and make something like this.

Thank you again,

Roman K.
Rkozakand@aol.com

Source Material:

Johannes Kalter, 'The Arts and Crafts of Turkestan', New York, 1984

Martha Longenecker, 'Folk Art of the Soviet Union', San Diego, 1989

Klavdiya Antipina et al, 'Kyrgysztan', Milan, 2006

Tatyana Razina et al, 'Folk Art in the Soviet Union', Leningrad, 1990

A. Morozova et al, 'Folk Art of Uzbekistan', Tashkent, 1978

V. Maksymov et al, 'The Kirghiz Pattern', Frunze, 1986