Early Azerbaijan textile, 18th century, Shirvan or Karabagh, Textile Museum, 2.18. Cotton (cross stitch on resist-dyed blue cotton), silk, 152 X 125 cm.
 

Surviving examples of Caucasian embroidered textiles date from the 18th century and later, but they represent a much longer tradition. The motifs are similar to those found in better known Caucasian rugs and flatweaves that were made for export. It has been suggested that rug weavers may have copied the designs of these embroidered textiles and incorporated them into their design repertoire. These colorful textiles of the Caucasus region were a domestic art made for home use and local commerce, and their strong colors and patterns reflect the ethnic and regional diversity of the Caucasus.

This textile is actually made of three panels, sewn together after the embroidery was complete. The cotton plain weave background has been embroidered with silk thread in cross stitch.


The Textile Museum 2.18
Acquired by George Hewitt Myers in 1952
60 x 48 in