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!
Discover how Yurt textiles, called the "Song of Silence" portray--in symbols and design--the culture of the Kyrgyz nomads before the Soviet occupation in 1921.
This collection explores the hidden narrative in Kyrgyz nomadic textiles. View more to discover what the symbols say about nomadic values and beliefs.
Literally "Wall Embroideries"
What are Tush Kyiz?
For centuries, the Kyrgyz nomads of Central Asia hung these large wall embroideries in their Yurts to describe in symbols what it meant to be Kyrgyz: honor ancestors, find joy in life, recognize balance, live free, honor the earth spirits, trust yourself, know your heritage, and ask for guidance from all these sources.
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 Tush Kyiz 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
Under Soviet domination from 1921 - 1991, practicing ethnic arts was discouraged, but occasionally Soviet leaders would commission a large Tush Kyiz be made to celebrate a Soviet holiday. They would be embroidered with the Soviet emblem of Kyrgyzstan and sometimes other Soviet nations. The slogan,"Workers of the world, Unite" would be 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
Tush Kyiz are large embroidered tapestries that create a stunning focal point in any room. Each design is unique. Sizes vary from full 12' x 6' rectangles to banners that may be up to 12 ' long. Many pieces are signed in embroidery and dated by the artist. The one shown is over a bed, dated and signed 1961, Muramka. They are fascinating and stimulating works of art. Some smaller pieces can be framed (see Fragments).
Galleries/Museums
These large (12' x 6') tapestries create an impressive exhibition for the gallery visitor. One exhibition was titled, "Nomadic Kyrgyz culture meets Soviet Socialism." 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
Magical Designs & Numbers
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
Magical Designs & Numbers
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
Flowers represent fertility: 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.
The 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.
Masterpieces: A Photo Gallery of Tush Kyiz from Kyrgyzstan's Textile Creations
1. #105 (12' x6') Exquisite embroidery in perfect condition. Made by a master Saimachy for a marriage. Birthdates of the couple--1954 and 1956--are embroidered with their names by the two bluebirds of happiness. 12' x 6' $4500
2 #90 (12 x 6) Nine Soviet Stars 1958. Exquisite work. Two Eagle designs in Center with dedication: "As a keepsake for Saychel A B from Ushunu Saiush." Full Uzbek Ikat has some tears and stains. Embroidery is flawless. One of the best pieces in the collection. $5500
3. #105 (11 x 6) "Butterfly Soviet 1964" signed by the artist "Batma." Emblem is the Kyrgyz Soviet Socialist Republic, with wheat stalks and cotton, mountain sunrise, Soviet star, and the writing in both Kyrgyz and Russian, "Proletariots of all nations come together."
Crossroad mandalas alternate with Tree of Life symbols. Exquisite craftsmanship.
Perfect condition. No thread deterioration or fadi
4. #49 Two Sisters 1952: (10 x 5) Two women made this TK together, embroidered two hands, their names--Mursagul & Kaibubu Kurmanalieva--and the year the work was completed, 1952.
Border and interior symbols are of the Winged Umai--protector of babies and children.
Perfect condition. No thread deterioration. $4500
5. #242 "Remember Your Heritage" 1958. (12 x 6).
Artist Sainabubu was a master Saimachy, born in 1920, and finished this in 1958 for her daughter's marriage. Sainabubu's grandson sold it to me in Bishkek in 2005, after his grandmother's death. Orange velvet center, traditional Tree of Life symbols alternate with mandalas. Rich in symbolism, signed and dated. No fading. Very good condition. $4500
6. #76. Large Soviet Emblem 1958 (11 x 6) Commissioned for a national Exhibition. Artist: Keteshbekke. Very large Kyrgyz Soviet emblem with the slogan, in both Kyrgyz and Russian, "Proletariats of all nations come together" embroidered on emblem. Very rare. Very collectable $4500.
Umai symbol on top border is for protection; Semetai symbol on bottom border is from the Manas legend and a reminder
8. #4 Talas Rose 1961 (12 x 6). From the Talas region of Kyrgyzstan. Mandalas with crossroad alternate with 3 different designs of the Tree of Life. Top border of flowers is a wish for happiness, fertility. Bottom border is the Umai symbol of protection. Center is rose and orange velvet. Exquisite embroidery in perfect condition. Stunning . 12' x 6' $4500
8. #226 "Sequin Soviet" (12 x 6) 5 Soviet Emblems: Across top, Uzbekistan, Russian Federation, Kyrgyz CCCP. 2 others on right and left legs are unidentified. Bright bold colors, with birds, butterflies, fruits and flowers. Red velvet center, trimmed in gold sequins. Made for an exhibition. $4500
9. #3 Muramka 1961 (11 x 6) dedicated, signed and dated. Embroidered in cernter triangle "a keepsake for Shutsabubu" Magnificentt Crossroad designs and a winged Umai border of protection. I folded the ends over to shorten it to 8' so as to frame the bed. Some thread deterioration on border, but otherwise perfect. $4500
9. #33 Z's Blue Fringe Soviet. (12 x 6) a Masterwork of elegant Crossroad and mandala designs, with original flocked red center and bright blue fringe. Basic Soviet emblem in center. Threads perfect. $3500