Exhibition "Embroidered Map of Russia"

About exhibition

For the first time in Russia, a map of the country was embroidered by artisans from all regions. The exhibition consists of the map itself, measuring 3.3 m by 6.7 m, and 84 embroidered panels showcasing examples of the ethnic embroidery of Russia's peoples. Fragments of the map were hand-stitched by craftswomen from each region and joined into a single cloth. The map depicts traditional patterns of various ethnic groups living in the territory of modern Russia. On one canvas you can see almost all local types of embroidery: the Tambov cross, Orlovsky spis, Irkutsk and Vladimir satin stitch, Ivanovo row stitch, Nizhny Novgorod guipure, Tarusa and Kaitag embroidery, Smolensk ornaments, Selkup beadwork, Pomor goldwork... Distinctive techniques are clearly represented: rug-style embroidery, double-sided cross, double tambour, colored perevit (a type of overcast stitch), embroidery on net, bead embroidery, and corded embroidery. Where embroidery is not widespread, artisans substituted applique, rug weaving, knitting, 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 sinew, and seagrass.