Textiles and Stuff 

This is a good example of a quilt from Central Asia, probably from Usbekistan. It is made mainly from cotton, cut in strips and put together in the style of Log Cabin. The squares in the middle of the sections are made of silk velvet or heavy cotton in dark red, dark green and brown. The pile on these squares run in different directions and so give an impression of colour variation in the photographs. In one corner of the quilt the small triangular pieces are made of an orange chintz instead of the white fabric in the rest of it. The edge is finished with a strip of orange cotton. The back is lined with a floral cotton which probably originated in Russia. The quilt measures approximately 24 inches square. The condition is good - there is some wear but this is quite in accordance with its age and there is surface dirt, which I am sure would respond to cleaning, but I have not attempted this. This is a fascinating piece of ethnic work and illustrates how designs travelled many miles round the world and turn up in unexpected places. It would look well as a wall hanging or table covering, or in a collection of quilts.

This is an interesting example of an antique traditional Central Asian Uzbek banner in very fine cross stitch in silk, usually called Lakai embroidery. These were sometimes used to cover bread baskets, or in this case as a small wall banner. It is surrounded with I think silk fringing of several colours with a substantial tassel on each bottom corner. The design is mainly geometric, with several sets of curled rams’ horns, which in this culture are symbols of power. The colours are predominantly maroon and old gold. The tassels have a decorative knot and are hung on a cord which has been bound stiffly with cords of several colours. The banner is lined on the back with dark red cotton fabric with black binding and there is a slot for the bamboo stick from which it hangs. The banner measures 74 x 39 cms. (29 x 15.5 inches) including the fringing. There is some damage to the fringe at the bottom edge, where a small portion is missing. There are also some areas of fading, particularly in the second and third triangles from the top on the right. The lining shows signs of wear and fraying at the bottom. This is an unusual item of very fine ethnic needlework and a welcome addition to a collection

This is a lovely Chinese cloth in silk embroidered all over in traditional Chinese symbols in gold and coloured silk thread. It is edged with twisted cord and has a gold silk tassel at each corner. In the centre of the piece is a peacock with its wings outstretched and it is surrounded by sprays of roses and other flowers executed in very fine couched work with the gold thread being held down invisibly. There are also two butterflies which can indicate a wish for a long life. The cloth is backed with pink silk fabric which has been attached by hand. It measures 58 x 62 cms. or 23.5 x 24.5 inches. This textile is in very good unfaded condition and the colours are bright and fresh.

This is a beautiful Japanese Obi in silk with a design of peonies and other flowers in soft shades of orange, cream and lilac with drums and square panels on one side and a design of large flowers against a trellis on the other, all on a deep cream background. The details of some of the flowers have been highlighted with satin stitch and beading as can be seen in the photos. The Obi measures 77 ins/195 cms. by 12 ins/30 cms. The Obi is in excellent condition, but is a little soiled along the edges as are the socks, but I am sure this can easily be cleaned. Also with the Obi is a pad, a pair of traditional Japanese socks with divided toes, and a small fan with wooden and bone sticks. The leaf is fabric and painted with a lady with a parasol. This is lovely and elegant example of Japanese costume accessories and is for wearing with a kimono.

This is an old hand embroidered Chinese child’s hat which was made especially for a festival and embroidered by hand. It has a basic cap shape in maroon silk satin, with narrow braid at the edge. The top of the hat is decorated with an embroidered open flower, inside which is a small figure juggling. On either side of this are two four-petalled flowers on springs which give them movement. The crown of the hat is decorated with leaf and petal shapes each individually embroidered with flowers and insects. The fabric of the hat has been cut away between these shapes. At each side there is an embroidered bird which holds a pair of tassels in pink and green which hang down on each side. There is a brass “jewel” with a stone at the centre front and there may have been two others which are now missing. The hat is lined in pink printed cotton in a floral design. The hat is in excellent condition overall and there is very little sign of wear. The colours are very bright and fresh and the hat would be an interesting example for a collection.

This is a lovely example of a Chinese embroidery sold probably for use as a bedspread, dating from the 1930s. it is unused, the hems not made up and the colours are as bright as new. It is made of cream silk satin and embroidered in silk in shades of dark red, cerise, white and several shades of pink. It shows two groups of geese among the reeds of a lake. It measures 163 cms by 142 cms. The condition generally is very good, the only flaws I can find are several very small brown marks near the top group of reeds, which can be seen in the last photo. This would make a lovely bedspread, wall hanging or curtain.

This is a beautiful sari, dating I believe from the 1930s, which is made from fine silk, in turquoise and red shades, and with a woven brocaded design in golden thread typical of Varanasi in northern India. It has the traditional wide border at one end, which has a design of botehs and carnations and other motifs from Indian embroidery. The main part of the sari is decorated with rows of small flowers, and the long edge has a gold border 6 1/2 inches wide. The fabric is quite heavy because of the amount of gold thread. The measurements are: Length 6 yds. 24 inches Width 45 inches. This is a truly elegant and magnificent sari, in excellent condition and suitable for a very special occasion or a collection of Indian textiles.

This is an old embroidered Chinese child’s hat which was made especially for a festival and embroidered by hand. It has a basic cap shape in pink cotton sateen, with narrow braid at the edge. At the front there is a curved applied panel of floral embroidery in shades of pink, red, blue and green and below this are three silver charms each 4 cms. high, sewn on at the front.edge. At the highest point of the front are attached two wool pompoms in bright magenta and green, on sprung stalks to give movement. The crown of the hat is shaped like a skull cap, which again is finely embroidered with floral motifs, an insect and a Chinese character. At the back of the hat there is a wide brim which curves to a point at the back and this again is profusely embroidered with roundels and floral motifs. There is a wide green tape which is attached to the back half of the hat and hangs down at the back, and is weighted. The hat is lined in red cotton. There is very little wear, and the hat is in excellent condition, the only flaw I can find is a stain on one of the green ties that hangs down the back. The colours are very bright and fresh and the hat would be an interesting example for a collection.

This is a beautifully embroidered Cotton bodice from India for a young girl. It shows a variety of stitches and some mirror work. The top of the bodice and sleeves are embroidered in a traditional pattern of floral and other shapes, and this is enhanced with the addition of small circles of mirror. There is no obvious fastening. The bodice is in excellent condition and a lovely example of its type, and the colours are bright and unfaded. It is suitable for wearing, or adding to a collection of textiles.

This is a lovely example of a Turkish/Ottoman embroidered waistcoat. It is made of orange fabric, probably felt, and lavishly embroidered in couched work with gold coloured thread. The embroidery covers much of the garment, front and back and is a traditional design with a border round the edge of the garment and loops, rings and leaf sprays on each side of the centre front and repeated leaf and swirl design in the centre of the back at the top and bottom. It is fully lined in very dark green/blue cotton. As to the size of the garment, the back measurement across between the bottom of the armholes is 15 1/2 inches (39.4 cms) and the length from the top of the shoulder to the hem is approximately 14 inches (35.6 cms.) The only damage I can find is a slight fraying of the gold binding on the edge of the bottom of the armhole. This is a wonderful example of a very traditional garment and would add interest to any collection or display.

This is a beautiful traditional Japanese Obi in silk with a design of peonies and other flowers in soft shades of orange, cream and lilac with drums and square panels on one side and a design of large flowers against a trellis on the other, all on a deep cream background. The details of some of the flowers have been highlighted with satin stitch and beading as can be seen in the photos. The Obi measures 77 ins/195 cms. by 12 ins/30 cms. The Obi is in excellent condition, but is a little soiled along the edges as are the socks, but I am sure this can easily be cleaned. Also with the Obi is a pad, a pair of traditional Japanese socks with divided toes, and a small fan with wooden and bone sticks. The leaf is fabric and painted with a lady with a parasol. This is lovely and elegant example of Japanese costume and is suitable for wearing with a kimono.

This is a lovely example of a Turkish/Ottoman embroidered waistcoat. It is made of green silk fabric and lavishly embroidered in couched work with gold coloured thread. The embroidery covers much of the garment, front and back and is a traditional design with a narrow border round the edge of the garment and loops, rings and leaf sprays on each side of the centre front and repeated leaf design in the centre of the back at the top and bottom. It is fully lined in white cotton. As to the size of the garment, the back measurement across between the bottom of the armholes is 15 1/2 inches (39.4 cms.) and the length from the top of the shoulder to the hem is approximately 14 inches (35.6 cms.) The only damage is in the lining where there are two dark spots (seen on the photo) and a few small brown age spots inside. This is a wonderful example of a very traditional garment and would add interest to any collection or display.