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Bukhara-duzi, a cultural mosaic of patterns and colors
For centuries, Bukhara has been a center for unique handicrafts, particularly the intricate art of Bukhara-duzi an appealing form of embroidery. This elaborate sewing technique, which requires significant time and skill, unfortunately lacks a coherent historical narrative. However, it gained prominence during the Seljuq dynasty, with many Bukhara artifacts preserved in museums worldwide.
The true flourishing of Bukhara-duzi occurred during the Mongol and Timurid Empires, when the city attracted numerous artists and scholars. As these artisans honed their craft, they began applying Bukhara designs to tafteh, a crisp and lightweight fabric that is commonly used to make a variety of types of high-end women's apparel.
The color palette of Bukhara-duzi is vibrant, featuring red, indigo, white, jade green, yellow, mustard, brown, and orange. Commonly used fabrics include cotton and less frequently, wool or silk. This craft is employed to embellish a wide range of items, including drapes, korsi (a low Iranian table with a heater underneath), tablecloths, bedding, prayer rugs, cushions, and decorative tableaus.
Notable collections of Bukhara -duzi can be found in prestigious museums, such as the Armitage, Metropolitan, Louvre, Museum of Decorative Arts, and the British Museum.
Typically, this technique is applied to ornate drapes exceeding three meters in length, with artists dedicating years to perfecting their creations. Today, the art of Bukhara-duzi has seen a revival in cities like Tehran, ensuring that this rich cultural heritage continues to thrive.