Ilgich c. late 19th century

This Ilgich was carefully embroidered by Kungrat craftspeople. See how the vibrant floral motifs leap from the cloth? These aren't mere decorations, but symbolic echoes stretching back through time. Take, for instance, the prominent flower. Similar stylized floral patterns can be traced across continents and centuries, from ancient Persian textiles to Renaissance tapestries. They speak of fertility, prosperity, and the cyclical rhythm of life. Here, they're reborn in the needlework of Kungrat hands. Note also the "boteh" or paisley-like forms along the borders. Originally a symbol of the cypress tree, representing life and eternity in ancient Persia, it morphed into a seed or teardrop, and eventually, during the British Empire, into the paisley we recognize today. Such symbols possess a life of their own, a "pathos formula," carrying collective memories and desires. What emerges is a visual language rooted in shared human experiences, a powerful force that engages us on a subconscious level. A testament to the enduring power of symbols.