Important Notice

BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN, CIRCA 1930
Hand embroidered with cotton thread on cotton fabric, satin in centre and edging
72.75 x 141.5 in (185 x 360 cm)


Much of Central Asia was inhabited by nomads, roaming the steppes with their herds of sheep, goats, and horses. They lived in tents or yurts, made of felt that were filled with decorative furnishings, finely woven carpets and saddlebags. Among these were beautiful tent hangings, known as tuskiz, which adorned the yurt walls and typically featured floral embroidery and designs reminiscent of the patterns on felted carpets. The tuskiz both embellished the tent and created an illusion of space. It was often hung in the male demarcated areas of the tent, where important guests would be seated in front, framed by the border. The host's wealth and status were reflected in the embroidery, which was considered a talisman to bring good fortune.

The motifs and patterns of the embroidery drew from multiple sources, including suzanis, and often echoed the ancient designs from the Silk Road legacy. The floral motifs on the present lot are square in shape rather than the more typically seen circular patterns. Old tuskizs such as these are the only reminders of the fine skills and aesthetic sensibilities of the nomads, who were forced to abandon their way of life under Russian rule.

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