GAX has received an invitation from the international exhibition organizing committee for the Belt and Road Initiative. The committee has invited GAX to participate in the exhibition in Uzbekistan with its Chinese embroidery.
GAX has always maintained a low profile, but the works on Douyin and Kwai (popular short video platforms) have gained much love from people, establishing a reputation. Founder Axin feels honored and expresses gratitude to fans and friends from all walks of life. Axin led the team in selecting products and entrusted LEO, who returned from studying in the United States, with translating promotional materials. This is a great opportunity to expand the market, establish international collaborations, and showcase the essence of national culture and the beauty of embroidery. This journey is not just a business activity; it’s a way for GAX to open the door to the world, to get to know and understand the world, to learn from the world, enhance aesthetic sensibilities, absorb the essence of others, and create even more beautiful products.
Uzbekistan has a rich history and many outstanding works in embroidery. Colorful threads dance in the hands of women, creating scenes of mandarin ducks playing in water and clusters of peonies in full bloom. This region was once a hub on the Silk Road, where the melodious sound of camel bells not only conveyed goods but also carried culture.
Uzbekistan’s embroidery, known as suzani, originates from the Persian word for “needle.” Bold, bright, and intricately dreamlike patterns are entirely hand-embroidered.
Embroidery in Central Asia has been documented since the 15th century. Today, embroidery remains a vibrant landscape in Uzbekistan’s markets. Using cotton or silk as a base, Uzbek girls embroider patterns rich in ethnic charm with silk threads. Influenced by Silk Road civilization, the most common decorative motifs in Uzbekistan’s embroidery are sun and moon wheels, somewhat related to the worship in Zoroastrianism.
Elegant flowers and vines are also common patterns. In desert areas, the vibrant plants represent the paradise people envision. Uzbekistan’s embroidery often employs two techniques: the flat chain stitch and the couched stitch.
The couched stitch is known as basma embroidery. It involves laying down a long thread and then stitching alongside it. Through this method, Uzbekistan’s embroidery can create large color blocks. The intricate stitches recount memories of the past, and the beautiful flowers hold the glory of bygone days. The blossoms flourishing in the hands of Uzbekistan’s people have adorned the entire Silk Road.
In Uzbekistan, hats are not just tools to cover the head; they are also a widely propagated art form. The ever-changing Tubeteika has become a stage for artists to display a unique panorama.
Flower hats are common attire in Central Asia, particularly beloved by the people of Uzbekistan. Even today, Uzbeks consider it an indispensable part of daily life. Uzbek flower hats are generally square-shaped with a slightly raised top, a design that has been around for four to five hundred years.
In Uzbekistan, people of all ages wear Tubeteika, except for elderly women. Different styles of hats represent different regions and communities. Uzbekistan’s flower hats typically feature floral and bird patterns, sometimes embroidered with auspicious Arabic inscriptions. Silk, velvet, embroidery, beads – ordinary materials become exquisite works of art in the hands of craftsmen.
The most common pattern, badom, resembling almonds, symbolizes life and abundance. Uzbeks believe that these two patterns can protect people from evil spirits. Each delicate hat carries a hundred years of history, telling the story of a particular region and its customs. When art has a story, it connects to vibrant life and becomes even more touching.
China has a long history, and Uzbekistan also has a profound history. In this exhibition, we look forward to a new era of cooperation, where beautiful flowers bloom. GAX! Go! Go! Go!
