Embroidered Qorzhyn

Description

This decorative korzhyn is a traditional Kazakh textile bag, sewn and embroidered by hand. Such korzhyns were used in everyday life for storing small items, as well as for wrapping and presenting gifts. The object is made of dark red-brown velvet, with the edges trimmed with black and multicoloured fabric. A loop at the top allows it to be hung on a wall or on the lattice framework of a yurt.

The front is decorated with symmetrically arranged embroidered compositions featuring ram’s horn motifs, wavy lines, and ornamental heart-shaped elements. Bright red, pink, green, yellow, and white threads were used for the embroidery. The symmetrical arrangement of the ornaments is a characteristic feature of traditional Kazakh embroidery. The korzhyn could be hung on the kerege, the lattice wall of a traditional Kazakh yurt, and used to store embroidery supplies, needles and threads, and other small household items. The artefact reflects the traditions of Kazakh decorative and applied arts and the organization of the interior space of a traditional yurt.