This example is sewn from four strips of cotton fabric with silk embroidery using bosma stitch, and the borders of patterns are made with yurma and ilmok stitches. Larger motifs are not contoured.
Ruijo compositions are similar to those on prayer rugs – both types include images of niches. According to the canons, the space inside the niche remains unembroidered. The pattern is placed on narrow border strips on the sides of the niche and above it. The main motif is a large flower rosettes in combination with small and big flowers. A peculiar feature of the ruijo is two bunches of flowers growing from the lower corners of the central area.
The warp has several tears and stains. The orange thread embroidery is not finished in some places. This is a characteristic feature of many items, expressing a wish for the next generations of embroideresses to continue the work in future. The fringe and lining were probably sewn on later. The remarkable asymmetry of the pattern is typical of homemade goods. The thoroughness of the work suggests that ruijo was meant to be used by the producers of the article.
You can learn more about the topic in the book-album "The Collection of the Czech Republic" (Volume XVI) in the series "Cultural Legacy of Uzbekistan in the World Collections".
The main sponsor of the project is the oilfield services company Eriell-Group.
