Diversity of Embroidery Techniques in Uzbekistan: Special Features

Embroidery in Uzbekistan

  Embroidery is one of the most common types of Uzbek handicrafts. In ancient times, it was used to decorate clothes, shoes, and interior items. Traditionally, women are the ones who practice decorating techniques. Uzbek embroidery is used to decorate blankets, prayer rugs, tablecloths, cases for household items, and festive garments for men and women. 

  Several Uzbek cities contributed to the development of the tradition. They hosted schools of decorative arts.

  Nurota embroidery features floral patterns on white fabric. The floral designs are combined with background images of people, birds, and animals. The Bukhara school created a pattern featuring flowers on thin branches. Its main colors are blue, crimson, green, light yellow, and gray.

Самарканська

  Samarkand embroidery is dominated by simple ornaments and lilac shades. The Surxondaryo School has bright, distinctive patterns with floral compositions.

Shahrisabz tradition

  The Shahrisabz tradition is similar to the Samarkand one: its central ornament features a flower rosette with colorful details surrounded by leaves. The color palette of the embroidery is made up of green, crimson, and red shades.

Tashkent school

  The Tashkent school is represented by two varieties: gulkurpa and palak. The latter type of embroidery is characterized by dark red circles. The central part of the gulkurpa design features a star or a circle with floral branches. Such a decor leaves most of the fabric background visible. Ferghana embroidery is done on a color image. Its pattern is made of thin, elegant lines.

Qashqadaryo tradition

  The Qashqadaryo tradition emerged as a result of the interaction between the Samarkand and Surxondaryo schools. It is characterized by floral and rosette ornaments with additional images of animals.