Image 1 of 5
Image 2 of 5
Image 3 of 5
Image 4 of 5
Image 5 of 5
Three Kuchi embroidery medallions called gul i peron or tikka medallions. These vintage tribal patches from Afghanistan and Pakistan have been removed from clothing or accessories to embellish new items. Colorful, intricate and easy to add to belly dance costuming, Kuchi medallions are most often made from glass seed beads and sometimes embroidery and can feature poms, bells, mirrors or sequins or other decorative elements. Because these pieces are handmade, there may be some slight variation in size, shape or pattern within pairs and/or sets. Medallions are made from glass seed beads (also possibly plastic beads that imitate tiny cowrie shells) and a backing material that can include a cardboard or plastic disc covered in fabric or a backing of felt, which can sometimes be made from animal hair. Backing material may be quite thick or stiff, or can be thin and flexible.
Item No. TDG1134
Number of Medallions: 3
Size: 4 to 4.5 inches across
Shape: Square
Center: Gold Metallic Embroidery
Thickness: About 1/2 inch thick
Base: Layered fabric
Beads: Blue beading on the edges
Materials: Metallic embroidery thread, glass beads, fabric
Additional Info: All three pieces are a bit different.
Photos on white background show color most accurately.
Country of Origin: Afghanistan
Condition: Vintage
This listing is for THREE bead medallions as shown. You will receive the exact pieces shown in the photos on this page.
Because these pieces are handmade, there may be some slight variation in size, shape or pattern. Medallions are usually made from glass seed beads and sometimes metallic thread embroidery (also possibly plastic beads that imitate tiny cowrie shells) with a backing material that can include a cardboard or plastic disc covered in fabric or a backing of felt, which can sometimes be made from animal hair. Backing material may be quite thick or stiff, or can be thin and flexible.
Beadwork items often become worn after a relatively short period of time, repairs often show where the original maker or owner tried to keep the item in good condition. These pieces may be frayed, worn or have other evident wear. Beadwork may come loose in places. Please check all photos carefully for condition and be aware that this wear is a part of the vintage cultural nature of these items. Loose beading can often be repaired easily using a beading needle and beading floss. If you have questions about any of our items, please let us know by emailing us at info@redcamel.net.
Afghani beadwork is some of the finest in the world, often with intricate mathematical patterns. (Studies have been done on the mathematics of Kuchi beadwork - ask me about it!) Please be aware that these pieces have been used and reused, often many times, and will show wear in places. If necessary, beadwork can often be repaired simply by running a bit of beading floss through the beads and knotting it securely.
A NOTE ON THE CONDITION OF TRIBAL ITEMS: Our tribal beadwork and textile items are used tribal pieces from faraway lands. As used pieces our items will may be frayed, faded or otherwise reflect their prior lives as treasured tribal pieces. Please know that we strive to maintain the tribal allure of our items and therefore we DO NOT CLEAN or repair these pieces in any way. This not only maintains the old, tribal look of each piece that our belly dance customers seek, but also preserves the value of a piece that cleaning would destroy.
We do our best to describe any flaws that may be present, and we encourage you to read the full description and look at all photos closely to judge the condition of the item for yourself and know exactly what you are ordering. If you have questions about the condition of any item, please ask!
