Discover one of the most vibrant and influential textile traditions in the world in this richly illustrated volume featuring more than 175 extraordinary printed fabrics created in Russia for the markets of Central Asia.
An indispensable resource for textile collectors, surface designers, fashion historians, artists, quilters, interior designers, and anyone who loves exceptional pattern and ornament, Russian Textiles offers both scholarly insight and endless visual inspiration.
From the late nineteenth century through the Soviet era, brilliantly colored cotton textiles traveled across borders and cultures, becoming an essential part of daily life throughout the region.
Russian Textiles: Printed Cloth for the Bazaars of Central Asia presents a stunning visual archive of designs ranging from lush Art Nouveau florals and geometric motifs to bold Soviet-era graphics. Worn as robes and garments, incorporated into household furnishings, and treasured for their beauty, these textiles reveal a fascinating exchange of artistic traditions between Russia, Central Asia, and the broader world.
In addition to hundreds of meticulously reproduced patterns, the book explores the social and cultural history of the fabrics through essays by leading textile experts. Vintage photographs, historical context, and detailed images of robes and decorative objects illuminate how these textiles were made, used, traded, and celebrated.
“This is a must-have book for the inspiration library of every artist; professional fashion, interior, and product designer; crafter; and anyone with a love of extraordinary visual design. Seldom does a new textile book invite one to view its subject matter in an entirely new light, from an entirely new perspective. Russian Textiles does just this.” (Thomas Cole, HALI Magazine)
Susan Meller is a textile historian, collector, and author whose research focuses on global textile traditions and the cultural history of design. Her work has helped bring broader recognition to the rich artistic heritage of Central Asian and Russian printed fabrics.
Don Tuttle is a photographer and textile specialist whose work has documented important textile collections and decorative arts traditions. His photography helps preserve and showcase the beauty, craftsmanship, and historical significance of these remarkable fabrics.
