Overview

A traditional Central Asian (Uzbek/Lakai-style) household whisk broom, dressed in an ornate hand-embroidered textile sleeve over its handle – a well-documented bridal-dowry tradition in which everyday household implements were elevated with fine embroidery as gifts for a new household. Craft World Tours’ documented 2000 Central Asia: Silk & Craft Route itinerary included stops in Samarkand, Tashkent, and the Ferghana Valley, source regions for this style of Uzbek/Lakai embroidery.

Design & Craftsmanship

Function & Form: A long embroidered fabric-covered handle leading to a bristle whisk head made from the original straw/fiber broom insert, tied with a twisted cord. Measures approximately 32″L x 12-13″W at the bristle head, weight approximately 1 lb 9 oz.
Artistry & Ornamentation: Dense polychrome cross-stitch/chain-stitch embroidery on black silk-backed ground in red, gold/mustard, and cream, with stylized floral quatrefoils, geometric checkerboard borders, and rosette medallions. Two fur/wool pom-pom tassels wrapped in metallic thread, small metal bells, and glass seed-beading along the seam.
Structural Base: Embroidered textile sleeve over the original straw/fiber whisk broom.

Condition Report

Surface Condition: Visible moth damage to the black silk backing fabric, with ragged holes exposing the underlying patterned textile beneath. The wool embroidery yarn and pom-poms show associated surface wear and fuzzing typical of vintage wool textiles.
Structural Integrity: Original straw whisk insert, metal bells, and glass beading remain intact and present despite the fabric wear noted above. This item is sold “as-is” with all associated patina and wear inherent to its age and history as part of the Craft World Tours Collection.

Central Asian embroidery

Central Asian Uzbek Lakai Embroidered Whisk Broom with Straw Insert