What is a silk on wool embroidery?

These pieces consist of decorative needlework where silk thread is stitched onto a wool, felt, or wool-blend ground fabric. They include Central Asian tribal hangings and European pastoral pictures. Such textiles served practical and ceremonial functions in homes across different cultures, functioning as wall decor, dowry items, or ceremonial horse covers.

How were tribal embroideries used?

Tribal groups in Central Asia utilised these textiles to adorn the interiors of yurts and homes. Items like ilgich and torba functioned as dowry pieces and decorative wall hangings. Saddle covers and horse trappings were also embroidered for ceremonial occasions and daily utility within nomadic communities.

How do I care for antique needlework?

Protect antique textiles from direct sunlight to prevent the silk threads and wool grounds from fading. Keep them in stable indoor environments away from excessive moisture. Framed works behind glass require minimal maintenance, while unmounted wall hangings benefit from professional mounting and gentle dusting.

How do I date these textiles?

Dating relies on stylistic analysis, material examination, and regional attribution. Eighteenth-century English works often feature pastoral or botanical themes in needlework. Central Asian tribal pieces from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries show distinct geometric and pictorial motifs associated with specific groups like the Lakai or Ersari.

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Silk on Wool Embroidery

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Silk on wool embroidery brings together lively tribal hangings and pastoral pictures, offering rich textures and varied cultural histories for the home.