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Details
The Kyrgyz region displays splendor and elegance in one creation made with ancestral methods once used to ornament the stunning Silk Road palaces. Artisan Burul Zhakypova works with fine wool yarns in a palette of grey and white hues, creating a classic pattern that unites quilting and applique techniques in one luxurious shyrdak area rug.
Made in Kyrgyzstan
100% wool
Dry clean only
Hand-crafted item -- color, size and/or motif may vary slightly
I am driven not only by my passion for craftsmanship but also by the desire to ensure that our traditions endure for generations to come.
"My name is Burul, and I hail from the beautiful land of Kyrgyzstan. My journey into the world of artisanal... craftsmanship began when I was just a little girl of five. It was my aunt on my dad's side who introduced me to the magical realm of needlework. I can still vividly recall those early days when I eagerly sat by her side, learning how to knit. The satisfaction of creating something with my own hands was a feeling like no other, and it set the stage for a lifelong love affair with handicrafts.
"My very first independent creation was a tiny knitted hat, carefully crafted for my cherished doll. That hat was a symbol of my newfound passion and the beginning of my journey as an artisan. Little did I know then that this humble hobby would evolve into my life's work.
"As I grew older, my affinity for needlework only deepened. After returning home from school, my heart always gravitated towards my beloved craft. Looking back, I can't help but wonder if it was something in my genes that made me a quick learner. My mother and grandmother, as well as generations before them, were all skilled in various forms of handicrafts. It seemed that the artistry and creativity flowed through my veins.
"Upon completing my ninth grade, I embarked on a new educational journey, one that would shape my destiny further. I enrolled in a Turkish lyceum, where I received formal education in folk crafts. This step allowed me to refine my skills and learn about the rich tradition of Kyrgyz handicrafts.
"Simultaneously, I pursued a second education in accounting, a practical choice for many. However, my heart remained firmly attached to the world of crafts. The more I learned and honed my skills, the more I realized that my true calling was in preserving and promoting the ancient traditions of Kyrgyz craftsmanship.
"For the past 22 years, I have immersed myself in the art of crafting shyrdak, a traditional Kyrgyz felt carpet. Shyrdak-making is often associated with older women, and there are few of my generation who pursue this craft. The fear of losing our rich heritage and the intricate techniques of needlework compelled me to take action.
"My dream is to establish a handicraft ethnic center, a place where parents can bring their children during holidays and weekends. Here, we can impart the wisdom of our crafts and culture to the younger generation, ensuring that our traditions continue to flourish. This center would also provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, nestled in the pristine mountainous regions of our beloved country.
"Shyrdak, these traditional felt carpets, are more than just artifacts; they are a testament to our heritage. Our ancestors, stretching back generations, were adept at this craft. In 2012, the art of Shyrdak-making, along with Ala-Kiiz, was recognized by UNESCO and included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage List.
"In our shyrdak production, we adhere to the time-honored techniques passed down through the ages. Our tools are simple yet essential: needles, knives or scissors, and hand spinning wheels. These tools, in the hands of skilled artisans, transform wool into stunning pieces of art that tell the stories of our culture and history.
"As I continue on my journey as an artisan, I am driven not only by my passion for craftsmanship but also by the desire to ensure that our traditions endure for generations to come. Through my work, I hope to weave a brighter future for Kyrgyzstan, where the threads of our culture remain unbroken, connecting us to our roots and preserving the legacy of our ancestors."
Only valid on the Normal shipping option for shipments to 48 Lower US states.
Discounted shipping price may not be applied to previous orders.
This item ships with a free artist storycard, so you can remember who you impacted today. Customized gift messages are also available with every order.
We want you to be 100% satified with your order, so if you are not completely happy with your item, you can return it within 60 days of receiving it.
We pack, ship, certify and 100% guarantee the quality of this item. Watch this video to see how.
This item is available for backorder and will ship within 2 to 8 weeks. Artists love to get backorders. Placing a backorder ensures that the artisan will do their best to create and deliver your item to our local office for shipment.
Although we cannot guarantee availability, we do expect to be able to fill the order within the timeframe indicated. But sometimes life happens - special materials may not be immediately available to the artist, or there might be some other circumstance beyond our control that could delay the shipment.
If for any reason we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will notify you.
In the unlikely even that we are unable to ship the item within the timeframe indicated, we will contact you and provide an updated delivery window.
This item has a special shipping flat fee which means that due to bulk, duties, or other special requirements, the item will be shipped to you via one of our special one-rate services. Shipping is only available to the United States (lower 48 States only).
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
BUST
35 - 36
37 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
WAIST
27 - 28
29 - 30
31 - 33
34 - 36
38 - 40
HIPS
37 - 38
39 - 40
42 - 43
45 - 46
49 - 50
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
CHEST
36 - 38
39 - 41
42 - 44
46 - 48
50 - 52
WAIST
30 - 32
32 - 34
35 - 37
38 - 41
43 - 45
NECK
14 - 14.5
15 - 15.5
16 - 16.5
17 - 17.5
18 - 18.5
SLEEVE
32.5
33.5
34.5
35.5
36.5
FINDING YOUR SIZE
Take your measurements with the tape measure over your under garments. If your measurements fall between sizes you may prefer the next larger size. Inseam, skirt and dress lengths vary by style and will be listed in the item description. Our sweaters are knit in standard American sizes, however actual measurements vary by style.
BUST / CHEST
Measure around the fullest part of chest under the arms and over the shoulder blades keeping the tape measure level.
WAIST
Measure around the smallest part of the waist keeping the tape measure comfortably loose. Most garments use the low waist measurement noted below.
LOW WAIST
Measure around the body approximately 1.5" below the natural waist (above). This is the area where most pants and skirts actually fit.
HIPS
Standing with your heels together, measure around the fullest part of the body approx 7"-8" below the waist.
NECK
Measure around the base of the neck keeping the tape measure comfortably loose.
SLEEVE
Bend elbow slightly and starting at the center back of the neck, measure across the shoulder, to the elbow and down to the wrist.
INSEAM
Our standard inseam length for women is 32" and 34" for men; however inseam measurements will vary slightly by style.
Belts with buckles are measured in inches that correspond to a waist size however, most people do not wear belts on the waist, they wear them closer to the hips. A buckle belt measurement is take from the end of the "pin" of the buckle to the middle hole on the belt. Generally there are 5 holes for size adjustment, with a 1" space between each, so the middle hole will the be average size of the belt.
For at tie belt (no buckle) measure the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This again is the medium size of the belt.
For a soft fabric tie belt it can be called "1 size fits most" and the entire length of the belt should be measured and listed.
See buckle/tie belt size standards below.
WOMEN
S
M
L
XL
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
inches
26 - 30
28 - 32
31 - 35
34 - 38
38 - 42
cm
76 - 86
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
MEN
S
M
L
XL
XXL
inches
30 - 34
32 - 36
35 - 39
39 - 43
43 - 47
cm
81.5 - 91.5
86.5 - 96.5
91.5 - 101.5
96.5 - 106.5
109 - 119
+/- tolerance: 0.5 inches or 1.25 cm
Sash tie length
Lay sash/tie out flat away from the garment and measure from end to end.
Belt with buckle
Measure from the end of the pin of the buckle (where it touches the buckle) to the middle hole.
Belt without buckle
Measure from the belt portion end to end and half of the tie portion. This is will give you the medium size of the belt.
Download our printable ring sizing chart to find the perfect fit!
We refer to these items as "discounted wholesale". Such items carry a deeper wholesale discount than other items, and have greater potential to provide your business with healthier resale margins.
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UNICEF Market offers triple win pricing, where YOU the consumer, Children from around the world, and Artisans all benefit.
WIN # 1 You Save!
Handmade goods from developing nations usually pass through a series of intermediaries before being purchased by retail consumers. Each of these intermediaries adds cost to the product, and that cost is passed on to the customer. UNICEF USA partnered with NOVICA, who works directly with artists through their regional offices in Asia, Africa and Latin America, allowing purchases from UNICEF Market to go directly from the artisans to fulfilling customer orders. By skipping steps in the traditional supply chain, you can buy high quality items for less than the regular retail prices.
WIN # 2 Children Benefit!
Each item purchased from UNICEF Market will benefit UNICEF's programs that provide lifesaving nutrition, medicine, education, clean water, emergency relief and more to children in need.
You can learn more about UNICEF's work, on About UNICEF.
WIN # 3 Artisans Profit!
UNICEF Market artisans set their own prices and control their own businesses. UNICEF Market offers artisans a free platform to sell their work throughout the United States.
