Antique chapan or coat from Afghanistan or Turkmenistan. 110x153 cms

Exquisite Antique Embroidered Chapan

Discover this rare antique wool chapan, a piece that showcases remarkable textile artistry. This coat features extensive embroidered decoration with intricate details and a well-composed design.

Made from thick wool and lined with antique Russian printed cotton cloth, the chapan’s surface is adorned with cotton embroidery. The design incorporates a variety of motifs, including circular patterns, birds, floral bouquets, leaves, flowers, and geometric shapes. The fine stitching contributes to an impressive overall composition, with motifs thoughtfully placed across the front, back, collar, sleeves, and borders. The artisan demonstrated skill in creating a three-dimensional effect through varying stitch volumes on the surface.

This historical piece shows minor signs of age, such as a few small holes and slight sun fading on the blue wool. However, it remains in good condition, suggesting it was likely worn infrequently. The embroidery itself is in excellent condition, preserving the complete original design.

This unique antique chapan can serve as a display piece or be worn. It is sized as a women’s Medium or a men’s Small.

Material: 100% hand-spun sheep wool and cotton

Size: 110×153 cms

Origin: Afghanistan or Turkmenistan

Date of weaving: 1900s

Chapan or chopon is a coat worn over clothes, usually during the cold winter months. Usually worn by men, these coats are adorned with intricate threading and come in a variety of colors and patterns. It is worn in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

A chapan cape was often worn by former Afghan president Hamid Karzai.