Book Description
Since ancient times Samarkand and Bukhara, have been thriving centres of craft production due to their location on the main routes of the ancient 'Silk Road.' The commercial, religious and political experience of these oasis cities had major lasting influences on craft production. Gold embroidery was no exception. Detailed examination of historical sources related to gold embroidery or zarduzi, showed that, until the Bolshevic Revolution in 1917, consumption of gold embroidery was restricted to the wealthy middle class and court elites. It was most spectacularly employed in displays of power and wealth among the courts of the Emirs before the Russian invasion in1868 and was produced by ustos, or masters in court ateliers. Follow zarduzi to the present day.