Hand-Embroidered Kuchi Dress, Vintage

Kuchi dresses are made by nomadic women across southern and eastern Afghanistan. The chest panel alone can take several months of evening work. This is a genuine worn piece, estimated 25 to 40 years old, not a new item made to look old.

The embroidery

Silk floss worked directly onto cotton in dense geometric bands. The small round mirrors, called shisha, are held in place with an embroidered ring rather than glue. The coin trim along the hem and cuffs is stitched on individually.

Measurements

• Chest, flat and doubled: approx. 108 cm
• Shoulder to hem: approx. 132 cm
• Sleeve, shoulder to cuff: approx. 56 cm

Cut generously and loose in the traditional way. Measurements are taken flat and vary by a centimetre or two across hand-made garments.

Condition

Good vintage condition. Expect light fading in places, some old hand-repairs on the inner seams, and a small number of coins missing from the hem. The embroidery and mirrorwork are intact and secure. Wear marks are part of its history, not defects.

Care

Dry clean only, and tell the cleaner it is vintage hand embroidery with mirrorwork. Store flat or on a padded hanger.