This authoritative reference work documents and illustrates the rich heritage of embroidery across Central Asia, the Iranian plateau and the Indian subcontinent from the medieval period to the present day.

This is the first reference work to describe the history of embroidery throughout Central Asia, the Iranian Plateau and the Indian Subcontinent from the medieval period through to the present. It offers an authoritative guide to all the major embroidery traditions of the region and a detailed examination of the material, technical, artistic and design dimensions of the subject, including its use by today’s fashion designers. For millennia, the peoples of Central Asian, the Iranian Plateau and the Indian Subcontinent have migrated and traded along the multiple strands of the Silk Road, both north–south and east–west. This history of contact has found rich expression within the arts and crafts of the region and particularly in the heritage of embroidery which has sat at the heart of the social and cultural lives of these diverse communities. Embroidery has been produced to decorate individuals, their families, their clients, their homes and public spaces and has reflected economic and political changes over time as well as social, religious and artistic contexts. Generously illustrated with 500 images (over 450 in colour) of clothes, accessories, and examples of decorated soft furnishings such as cushions, bed linen, curtains, floor coverings and wall hangings, the Encyclopedia is an essential resource for students and scholars of the subject. This volume is the second in the Bloomsbury World Encyclopedia of Embroidery series. The first volume, on embroidery from the Arab World, won the 2017 Dartmouth Medal, awarded by the American Library Association for a reference work of outstanding quality and significance.

"An essential resource for students and scholars." - Book Threads

"The encyclopedia will provide researchers with a strong knowledge base, including local language for techniques and a list of museums and institutions with related objects and collections for further study. The volume includes 125 excellent stitch diagrams based on "family" group, followed by a stitch list for practitioners, conservators, and curators. The true encyclopedia style of this book makes it easy to use as a reference." - CHOICE

"This volume is a great reference book for archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, art historians, textile curators of museum collections, and private collectors. It is a source of inspiration for embroiderers, designers, textile artists, and anyone passionate about embroidery from this interesting area." - International Institute of Asian Studies

"Encyclopedia of Embroidery is a very accessible book. It is well laid out, easy to navigate, and easy to read. It is filled with facts, but these facts are presented in a personal and understandable way. The author’s obvious interest and delight in the subject matter, her genuine interest in, not only embroidery but in sharing her knowledge and love of the subject with the reader, is palpable." - The Zay Initiative

"This book is relatable, practical, easy to read and packed with information. As with the first volume – this is not just a book, it is a legacy." - The Fabric Thread