Gurama in Azerbaijani Museums
Household textiles, preserved as evidence of a national craft.
Long before gurama returned to contemporary art, it lived quietly in Azerbaijani homes: bedspreads, bundle-wraps, curtains and bridal linens. What survives is now held in the Azerbaijan National Museum of Art and the National Museum of History in Baku, and in regional museums in Shamakhi, Sheki and Masalli. Together they document two centuries of everyday and ceremonial gurama.
From the collections:
- Bokhcha, Shamakhi, early 20th century. Brocade, qanovuz silk, 85x88 cm. Azerbaijan National Museum of Art
- Cover, Sheki, 1900-1920. Silk, handmade, 162x202 cm. Azerbaijan National Museum of Art
- Bokhcha, 20th century, chintz lining. Brocade, qanovuz, 79x82 cm. National Museum of History of Azerbaijan
- Bokhcha, Baku, 20th century. Silk, 65x65 cm. National Museum of History of Azerbaijan
- Envelope-type assembly, 1960, floral chintz pocket. Basqal State Historical-Cultural Reserve
- Rue bundle, 19th century, protection against the evil eye. Velvet, reyhan twigs. Masalli History and Ethnography Museum
- Seating mat, 19th-20th century. Satin, crepe de chine, diam. 42 cm. Masalli History and Ethnography Museum
- Bokhcha gurama, 19th century. Atlas, moire, chintz, satin, velvet, 55x57 cm. Shamakhi History and Ethnography Museum
- Decorative hanging, Sallamac. Silk, chintz. Shamakhi History and Ethnography Museum
- Bridal lambrequin, Gerdekbashi, 19th century. Silk, brocade, velvet, tassels. Sheki History and Ethnography Museum
Documentation continues today, as regional museums and the Gurama Centre work to catalogue pieces still held in private homes.