Vintage Textiles from Central Asia for display and sale
Discover a culture expressed in textile design and symbols.
Vintage Textiles from Central Asia for display and sale
Discover a culture expressed in textile design and symbols.
Welcome to Tush Kyiz from Kyrgyzstan!
These large hand-embroidered textiles were hung in their yurts when the Kyrgyz were a nomadic people--before the Soviet occupation of their country in 1921. These magnificent works of art are actually a narrative--in symbols and designs--of their values and beliefs. The nomads called them the "Song of Silence."
Literally "Wall Embroideries"
What are Tush Kyiz?
Tush Kyiz (literally, "Wall Embroideries") are large (12'x6') elaborately embroidered textiles that nomads hung in their Yurts as they traveled to different pastures. Created with tiny chain stitches, the symbols tell the Kyrgyz: honor ancestors, recognize balance, respect the earth spirits, trust yourself, find joy.
About Me
My name is Anne Marie. I am an ESL teacher living in Spokane, Washington. From 2003 - 2006, I lived and worked in Central Asia in the countries of the former Soviet Union. While living in Kyrgyzstan, I became fascinated with the beautiful, historical textiles called "Tush Kyiz" (literally, wall embroideries). Each is a "one off" design, expressing the originality of its creator and allegiance to Kyrgyz traditions.
I became enthralled with the unique artistry and extraordinary craftsmanship in these textiles. Through research and interviews, I learned what these treasures meant to the nomadic Kyrgyz people. However the Soviets were successful in discouraging their creation, so that today Tush Kyiz are considered a lost art. Most of the "TKs" in my collection date from the 1950s and '60s. Almost none were made after that. The Saimachys who created them are long gone, and younger generations, who were raised as Soviets, had no interest in making them. No longer hung in Yurts, Tush Kyiz today--even in Kyrgyzstan--are found only in museums.
Tush Kyiz are impressive works of art and craftsmanship. Look in the Masterworks Gallery for stunning examples.
Collectors, Designers, Galleries, Museums
Collectors
There are more than 80 Masterworks in this collection of Tush Kyiz, and each one is unique, designed and created by a Saimachi to celebrate Kyrgyz nomadic life and symbolize the nomad's ideals. These creations are all hand-made with thousands of small chain stitches. The more complex pieces would take months, and even years, to complete.
Under Soviet domination from 1921 - 1991, practicing ethnic arts was discouraged, but occasionally Soviet leaders would commission a large Tush Kyiz be made for a celebration. They would be embroidered with the Soviet emblem of Kyrgyzstan and sometimes other Soviet nations. The Marxist slogan,"Workers of the world, Unite" is embroidered on larger Soviet emblems, often in both Kyrgyz and Russian script, literally:
"Proletariats of all nations come together."
These TKs are especially collectable, representing TWO lost cultures.
Designers/Interior Decorators
Full Tush Kyiz are large embroidered tapestries that create a stunning focal point in any room. Each one is unique, and all are fascinating. Their size is usually a 10' x 5' or 12' x 6' rectangle. Some are up to 15 feet long. Many pieces are signed in embroidery and dated by the artist. The one shown is over a bed, dated and signed 1961, Muramka. There are smaller pieces (see Fragments) that can be displayed as colorful and intriguing works of art.
Galleries
The Gallery visitor may be interested in owning an art work that is not only exquisitely crafted but also a unique piece of history. Tush Kyiz are relics of a nomadic culture that no longer exists. Some pieces, like this one shown, the "Butterfly Soviet-1964," were commissioned to celebrate a Soviet holiday. They are especially collectable because they celebrate nomadic art and the Soviet state. They are now found mostly in museums.
Museums
These large (12' x 6') tapestries create an impressive exhibition for the gallery visitor. One exhibition titled, "Nomadic Kyrgyz culture meets Soviet Socialism," attracted visitors interested in history, cultures, and textiles. Print material will illustrate how to interpret what the symbols meant to the nomadic tribes of Central Asia.
These historic textiles are a valuable addition to Museums that have an interest in Asia, Central Asia, textiles, nomadic life, and cultural anthropology.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA) owns and has exhibited several pieces.
Discover What the Symbols Mean
Birds
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life
Because birds fly freely from the heavens, they represent messengers from the spirit world.
Birds especially bring blessings for love and joy in marriage, and so are often represented on TKs given to a young married couple.
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life
The Tree of Life alternates between the Crossroad symbol, and represents past and future family ties. A vine that is an off-shoot of another plant represents one's duty to carry on the mission of your ancestors.
Magical Designs & Numbers
Magical Designs & Numbers
Magical Designs & Numbers
The "Winged Umai" symbol (upper left) is the protector of children and babies. 2 lines together mean "your power is doubled"; 3 represents family, land, and language; the "Sekirtme" an alternating line of red and white is found in every Tush Kyiz: it is to remind you of balance: there are equal measures of light and dark in life.
Flowers
Magical Designs & Numbers
Magical Designs & Numbers
Flowers represent love, joy, fertility, and pride of nation. Tulips are the national flower and a symbol of Kyrgyzstan. Carnations are often seen on Marriage TKs and represent fertility. Daisies are a blessing for happiness.
A Primary Motif: The Sacred Crossroad
Directions a Nomad may travel
Directions a Nomad may travel
Directions a Nomad may travel
Consider the spirits of the earth that will affect your travels. Say a prayer to them and leave a gift at the center of the Crossroad.
More than directions, the Crossroad represents all decisions we make.
Decisions to be made
Directions a Nomad may travel
Directions a Nomad may travel
The tulips in this crossroad represent Kyrgyzstan. Within the flower is a fertility symbol, representing generations to come.
At the center is the God within you.
Consult your Culture
Directions a Nomad may travel
Consult your Culture
There are many symbols of Kyrgyz culture in this crossroad: the great horned sheep, the mountain goat, the red & white line of balance.
the Soviet star may represent a new culture to consider when making choices.
Masterworks: A Photo Gallery of Tush Kyiz: (Click "Show More" below to see all)
#105 "Bluebird Blessing" MW (12'x6'3") V-3 One of the very best Tush Kyiz in the collection. It could be a Marriage Tush Kyiz with Bluebirds of Happiness blessing the couple, or perhaps it is a Blessing to two children born to the family. Exquisite embroidery, dedicated to Sagin, June 28, 1954, and Bekin, October 17, 1956. Created by a master Saimachy. Bright colors, threads perfect, slight fading $4500.
#105 MW Detail Hearts, flowers, and Blue-birds surrounded by Crossroads with hearts and flowers. Extremely fine and precise embroidery.
#105 Detail: The double border, top and down, denotes a master Saimachy.
#105 Detail: Sagin 1954 28 June (Sagin's birthdate)
#105 Detail: Beken 1956 17 October (Bekien's birthdate)
#90 MW V9 Dedicated, dated, signed. 1958-year. "Natsamen Simal A. G. Ushunu Saiuush". 9 Soviet Stars in Crossroads. Full original Uzbek center. Threads perfect. One of the premier pieces in the collection. $5500
USSR Theme in Tush Kyiz "We were the Soviets"
#76 V1 "Large Soviet 1958" Made for an Exhibition. The slogan, "Proletariats of all nations, come together" is embroidered in both Kyrgyz and Russian. Signed by artist "Keneshbekke" and dated 1958. Extraordinary and striking. $5500
#76 V1 Detail of Krgyz Soviet Emblem with signature, "Kenyeshbekke" and date "1958"
#76 V1 MW 1958
#6 Detail Butterfly Soviet
#6 Detail Year completed: 1964 and signature of Saimachi Batma. The slogan "Proletariats of all nations come together" is embroidered in both Kyrgyz and Russian on the Kyrgyz Soviet emblem. Exquisite Crossroads in Mandalas and floral Tree of Life. The butterfly is a blessing from the spirit world.
#6 V1 MW "Butterfly Soviet 1964" Signed by Saimachi Batma. Exquisitely done. Threads are perfect. $5500
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Representational Tush Kyiz: Portraits, Peacocks, Moose, Deer, Lovebirds, Parrots, Eagles, etc.
57 - V27 1955 Eagle chasing terrified donkey. Full Uzbek center. Date 1955 is on lower left leg. The center design is amazing, but . . . some holes in fabric, stains, fading.
#57 Detail of center triangle. Eagle is closing in on the terrified donkey, whose tail is between his legs.
#57 Detail of eagle and donkey
#57 Detail of dedication on upper right corner: Ashirev Imenbeke arnaimin Poimatova Sharshe-ibubu.
#217 Detail of Peacock. Writing says "A Keepsake Talia" 1961
217-V13 MW Talia's Peacock 1961 Unique extraordinary piece! Collectable! Exquisitely fine stitching and bright unfaded colors. Crossroads within Mandala designs in red alternate with Tree of Life in blue. Some thread deterioration on top and left border. $2500
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Fragments: A Photo Gallery of Smaller Pieces
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