Embroidery (curtain)

In the traditional home interior of a wealthy Azerbaijani family, wall embroidered panels formed the central point of the interior. Decorated with a symmetrical vertical composition — variations on the theme of the tree of life – they had no functional, but rather an exclusively aesthetic purpose that served only to decorate the interior, yet acted also as a talisman against the evil eye. Such wall panels were made of cloth or wool in dark tones, embroidered with a tambour stitch, and lined with a simple fabric.  

Embroidery (curtain). Ganja, Azerbaijan. Late 19th century. Cloth, cotton. Sequin embroidery, gurama (patchwork sewing), chain stitch embroidery. Inv. No. 5585