Exhibition "The Embroidered Map of Russia"

About exhibition

For the first time in Russia, artisans from all regions have embroidered a map of the country. The exhibition consists of the map itself measuring 3.3 m by 6.7 m; 82 embroidered panels with samples of the ethnic embroidery of Russia's peoples; a map of Chuvashia measuring 2.32 m by 3.10 m; a surpan 6 m long — the head covering of Chuvash women, the result of the work of embroiderers from the Chuvash Republic. Fragments of the map were embroidered by hand by craftswomen from each region and joined into a single cloth. The map depicts traditional patterns of the various ethnic groups living in the territory of modern Russia. On one cloth you can see almost all local types of embroidery: the Tambov cross, the Orlovsky spis, Irkutsk and Vladimir satin stitch, Ivanovo stitching, Nizhny Novgorod guipure, Tarusa and Kaitag embroidery, Smolensk ornaments, Selkup beadwork, Pomor goldwork embroidery... Specific types of embroidery are clearly represented: rug-style embroidery, double-sided cross stitch, double tambour, polychrome overweave, net embroidery, bead embroidery, corded embroidery. Where embroidery was not widespread, artisans substituted appliqué, rug-weaving, knitting, or patchwork, or used original local materials for decoration: pearls, amber, shells, rhinestones, bugle beads, seed beads, metal plates, leather, wool, fur, fish bones, reindeer undercoat hair, reindeer sinews, and marine sedge. Tickets can also be purchased via the link.