Embroidery
Let's explore in more detail the elegant artistic embroidery, one of the new treasures of our collection.
The central field is designed based on Lechek-Turunj composition. The medallion's center is decorated with images of irises and carnations. The central field's four corners sport the symmetrically arranged tree of life and its guardians - dragons. The dark brown velvet background enhances the vivid ornament. The ornaments on the embroidery are made in takalduz (chain stitch embroidery) technique and decorated with pilek (sequins).
Most likely, this embroidery once was a part of the dowry of the wealthy bride and used as a pillowcase popularly known as nazbalinj or nazbalish. As a rule, in houses near the fireplace, there was always a separate nazbalish for the head of the family, guest or aksakal. Nazbalish was usually filled with swan's down and was very soft.
Embroidery. Shamakhi, Azerbaijan. Late 18th – early 19th century. Velvet, wool, cotton. Sequin, chain stitch embroidery. Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum сollection
