The embroidery

The embroidery of Shahrisabz

By the end of the 19th century, a number of local schools of embroidery had developed in Uzbekistan. On the one hand, they had much in common as regards the nature of their compositions and ornamental decor; on the other, they differed because of their own, unique features and the variety of ways in which decorative motifs and colouring were handled. The embroidery of Shahrisabz (Kashkadarya Region), one of the oldest towns in Central Asia, is of particular interest. It was given its name, which means "green town" "thanks to the abundance of greenery and eye-dazzling flowers" (1, p.20). Shahrisabz was the property of the Barlas clan, to which Amir Timur belonged. The town's famous architectural monuments - the Oq-Saroy palace, the Dorus Saodat family vault of the Timurids and the Kok-Gumbaz mosque - indicate that it was a major administrative and cultural centre of Movarounnahr in the 14th and 15th centuries. Amir Timur brought a large number of artists and craftsmen from various countries in the Muslim East to the town, and this helped to turn it into a major craft centre. More….