"Cucumber" ornament. Turkish cucumber pattern Turkish cucumber pattern on fabric
Paisley
- decorative drop-shaped ornament. Persia is considered the birthplace of the ornament (according to some sources, India). This ornamental motif (buta) has been characteristic of Persia since the Safavid dynasty. It has gained popularity in Russia and Western Europe in modern times thanks to cashmere fabrics imported from the East with “ cucumber" pattern. And among textile connoisseurs, fashion designers and fashion historians it is customary to call it “Paisley” or “paisley”. In Great Britain, the “Indian cucumber” became widespread after British army personnel returning from the colonies brought home oriental fabrics. The main center for the production of fabrics with such patterns in Western Europe was the Scottish city of Paisley (in honor of which the pattern received its name in the West). It was there that, around 1800, the production of relatively inexpensive fabrics and shawls imitating authentic oriental ones began. Thus, the “cucumber” from the East, made available thanks to British textile workers, conquered all of Europe. At the end of the 18th century, the European aristocracy was carried away by the fashion for kashmiri shawls with a picture like this. You can admire an authentic Kashmiri shawl for hours; the design is attractive and mesmerizing. Soon the fashion for oriental shawls spread to Russia. Scarves, shawls, and all kinds of fabrics decorated with the so-called “cucumber” pattern never go out of fashion. This motif is also called “Turkish bean”, “tear of Allah”, “Indian palm leaf”, “Persian cypress”. People call this simple but very effective ornament “cucumber”, “Turkish cucumber”, “oriental cucumber” or “Indian cucumber”.So what does "oriental cucumber" mean? In shape it resembles a sprouted bean, ovary, or embryo. This is a hymn to the productive forces of nature. In India, they believe that this form is one of the symbols of movement, development, and energy. It is no coincidence that the “cucumber” ornament adorns the wedding dress of an Indian bride. Sometimes a “cucumber” is depicted with a petiole and then it is called a “palm leaf.” The name “Persian cypress” is also no coincidence: it is an ancient tradition of folk art to show the whole through its part. One leaf represents the whole tree, and the cypress is a sacred tree. In Iran, the image of an “oriental cucumber” is a wish for happiness and prosperity at home. As you can see, this is a very friendly sign.
Buta
- an Azerbaijani pattern in the form of a drop, symbolizing a stylized image of fire. Patterns and drawings with buta motifs are found in designs of carpets, fabrics, in paintings of works of decorative and applied art, as well as in the decoration of architectural structures. The word “buta” in Sanskrit means “fire” (bute - puta - buta). A small steppe shrub plant also bears the same name. The flowers of this plant resemble the buta symbol in shape and have a special intoxicating aroma and narcotic properties. During Zoroastrian cult celebrations, they were lit on the temples in temples and in the houses of worshipers of the green goddess Vega, Anahita, Mithras and later Ahura Mazda.Nowadays, bandanas are often decorated with the Indian cucumber design.. INDIAN CUCUMBER
(Momordica charantia)
Indian cucumber or Chinese bitter gourd (
-This petrified cliché was carved from some super-strong wood 150 years ago (according to the seller) in order to stamp "paulks" on Indian shawls.
Experts say that in India these cucumbers were never drawn abstractly. If you look closely, you will see a set of symbols in the openwork pattern and, if you know how to read them, you will understand “what the cucumber is about” and what kind of outfit this shawl is appropriate for. Purchased from an antique store in Delhi , is kept in the private collection of the artist Naina Velichko.
The pattern in the form of an almond-shaped figure or a “bean”, a twisted cucumber”, a Persian cypress leaf, is most firmly established in the ornament, for example, of Ivanovo heel prints and chintz. This element of the ornament is found on chintz in two types. One of the types of this figure always has clearly defined contours. Such figures usually fill the middles of scarves or cover meter-long fabrics. Other types of almond-shaped figures are always located at the ends of shawls, sometimes in the middles of shawls. They are plant and floral motifs arranged in almond-shaped figures, the contours of which are not outlined. The difference is in them , obviously, is explained by the heterogeneous origins of these two types of almond-shaped figures. An ornamental element in the form of a “bean” with clearly defined contours is found in patterns on objects of applied art in Central Asia, is called “tus-tupi” and is, according to some researchers, a remnant of the image rooster, pheasant, which in ancient times were cult birds, and their schematic images previously served as magical symbols - amulets. The almond-shaped figure found on the borders of scarves and shawls has a different origin. Identical compositions are found on oriental shawls, which were brought to Russia in large quantities at the end of the 18th century. At this time, they were the most fashionable part of the aristocratic wardrobe. The production of oriental shawls first originated in the Middle Ages in India - Kashmir, and then spread to other countries of the East and moved to Europe and Russia at the beginning of the 19th century. Researchers of the ornament of these shawls trace the origin of this pattern to a flower branch, which is depicted on objects of oriental applied art, including fabrics with roots, a straight stem and a flower corolla slightly inclined to the side. Then this motif becomes more complex, overgrown with floral and plant patterns, but retains the general outline of an almond-shaped figure. On some printed shawls, which most accurately reproduce the patterns of oriental samples, you can see patterns at the bottom of the almond-shaped figures that vaguely resemble the roots of a plant. At the Rubachev manufactory, “cucumber” patterns were woven into a garland of borders, filling the entire surface of the fabric or creating a multi-petal flower. The Nadezhda Merlina manufactory produced shawls on which the “oriental cucumber” pattern was laid out in the form of bouquets of flowers. Similar techniques for using this ornament are still used today on shawls made in Pavlov Posad.
One more thing: in India, not entirely competent sources quite competently stated that this is a drawing of a mango. In fact, this is the only way it is viewed in India, it seems. It is difficult to confirm or deny this information. But purely logically, this is the only comparatively acceptable explanation for this motif, both in form and in the meaning that the mango has in India - there it is treated with great reverence. (The Paisley print or the teardrop or the mango pattern - so many descriptions for a design that really gets around. The pattern originated in India and Persia but the name "Paisley" derives from an eponymous Scottish town. How so? The British East India Company and others returning from the colonies exported the pattern, especially seen on cashmere shawls, to the western world. And such was the demand, that textiles bearing the pattern were mass-produced and in the 1800"s, the town of Paisley became the leading producer of beautiful multicolored shawls bearing this design. And so with some modification, was born the Paisley pattern. (Source: wikepedia).
There are so many versions of the origin of this ornament.He had a turbulent history of conquering Europe, he decorated Russian scarves, Soviet dresses and bags, psychedelic clothes, rocker bandanas. But this is not what is interesting, but its meaning and origin, and as it turned out, not everything is so simple with this. Here are other legends:
1) It is believed that this pattern was brought from Egypt, where it symbolized an ear of wheat as a sign of immortality.
2) The Persians believed that these were the leaves of a dwarf palm tree. Because of their texture and shape, these leaves were often used instead of paper for writing prayers, so they began to be given special meaning.
3) In another version, this Persian design represents the flame that the Persians in ancient times idolized.
The buta pattern - three tongues of flame (in the form of drops) is also present on the coat of arms of Baku - a city of unquenchable lights on the shore of a raging sea. Many sources claim that Baku for a long time, until the advent of Islam, was the spiritual center of one of the oldest religions in the world - Zoroastrianism, for which buta was a symbol of life and eternity.
4) The drawing repeats the signature of the ancient ruler of Persia, who was forced to surrender to his enemies after severe battles. He was so upset by his defeat that he cut his own wrist and, pressing the wound to the document, put his bloody signature on it. After this, the boteh pattern began to appear on carpets throughout Persia, supposedly glorifying the brave ruler.
5) Other sources say that “buta” are cotton buds.
6) Or they write that this is a stylization of floral splashes and cypress wood.
7) In Pakistan it is called "carrey", which means "mango seed" in Urdu.
8) The word “buta” in Sanskrit means “fire” (bute - puta - buta) and in India this pattern is very popular.
9) A small steppe shrub plant also has the same name. Its flowers resemble the buta symbol in shape and have a special intoxicating aroma and narcotic properties. During Zoroastrian cult celebrations, they were burned on the temples in temples and in the houses of worshipers of the green goddess Vega, Anahita, Mithra and later Ahura Mazda.
Everyone has seen a bizarre pattern in the form of a drop or a teardrop with many small details at least once in their life. Today they decorate absolutely everything: from the interior and textiles to your own body.
Let's quickly understand the terminology. So, the Indian “paisley” pattern and the European paisley are essentially the same thing, but the names differ in different cultures.
Now let's look at the history:
Paisley - a noble ornament, “tear of Allah”, Turkish bean or simply “cucumber” Turkish cucumber, Japanese cucumber, Paisley, Indian cucumber, Persian cypress, Eastern cucumber, buta... everyone calls it in their own way. In the east - buta, in Europe - Paisley. All these are names of one pleasant oriental ornament that has become a classic. The name Paisley was given to a town in Scotland, where in the 19th century the production of fabrics and shawls imitating this oriental pattern began. Thus, the “cucumber” from the East, made available thanks to British textile workers, conquered all of Europe.
Persia is considered the birthplace of the ornament (according to some sources, India). This ornamental motif (buta) has been characteristic of Persia since the Safavid dynasty. It gained popularity in Western Europe in modern times thanks to cashmere fabrics imported from the East with a “paisley” pattern. And among textile connoisseurs, fashion designers and fashion historians it is customary to call it “Paisley” or “paisley”. In Great Britain, the “Indian cucumber” became widespread after British army personnel returning from the colonies brought home oriental fabrics. At the end of the 18th century, the European aristocracy was captivated by the fashion for Kashmiri shawls with such a pattern. You can admire an authentic Kashmiri shawl for hours; the design is attractive and mesmerizing.
Scarves, shawls, and all kinds of fabrics decorated with the so-called “cucumber” pattern never go out of fashion. This motif is also called “Turkish bean”, “tear of Allah”, “Indian palm leaf”, “Persian cypress”. People call this simple but very effective ornament “cucumber”, “Turkish cucumber”, “oriental cucumber” or “Indian cucumber”.
So what does "oriental cucumber" mean? In shape it resembles a sprouted bean, ovary, or embryo. Sometimes a “cucumber” is depicted with a petiole and then it is called a “palm leaf.” The name “Persian cypress” is also no coincidence: it is an ancient tradition of folk art to show the whole through its part. One leaf represents the entire tree.
Buta is an Azerbaijani pattern in the form of a drop, symbolizing a stylized image of fire. Patterns and drawings with buta motifs are found in designs of carpets, fabrics, in paintings of works of decorative and applied art, as well as in the decoration of architectural structures. The word “buta” in Sanskrit means “fire” (bute - puta - buta).
A small steppe shrub plant also bears the same name. The flowers of this plant resemble the buta symbol in shape and have a special intoxicating aroma. (lat. Momordica charantia) is a herbaceous liana of the Pumpkin family, widely cultivated for its edible fruits in the countries of South and Southeast Asia, the Caribbean and China. Chinese bitter gourd is a dioecious liana, growing up to 5 m in length, with simple leaves, 4-12 cm in diameter, and yellow flowers. The fruits have an oblong shape and a warty or tuberous surface, and are very diverse in shape and size.
The pattern in the form of an almond-shaped figure or a “bean”, a twisted cucumber”, a Persian cypress leaf, is most firmly established in the ornament, for example, of Ivanovo heel prints and chintz. This element of the ornament is found on chintz in two types. One of the types of this figure always has clearly defined contours. Such figures usually fill the middles of scarves or cover meter-long fabrics. Other types of almond-shaped figures are always located at the ends of shawls, sometimes in the middles of shawls. They are plant and floral motifs arranged in almond-shaped figures, the contours of which are not outlined. The difference is in them , obviously, is explained by the heterogeneous origins of these two types of almond-shaped figures. An ornamental element in the form of a “bean” with clearly defined contours is found in patterns on objects of applied art in Central Asia, is called “tus-tupi” and is, according to some researchers, a remnant of the image rooster, pheasant, which in ancient times were iconic birds.
There are so many versions of the origin of this ornament.
1) It is believed that this pattern was brought from Egypt, where it symbolized an ear of wheat as a sign of immortality.
2) The Persians believed that these were the leaves of a dwarf palm tree. Because of their texture and shape, these leaves were often used instead of paper for writing prayers, so they began to be given special meaning.
3) In another version, this Persian design represents the flame that the Persians in ancient times idolized. The buta pattern - three tongues of flame (in the form of drops) is also present on the coat of arms of Baku - a city of unquenchable lights on the shore of a raging sea. Many sources claim that Baku for a long time, until the advent of Islam, was the spiritual center of one of the oldest religions in the world - Zoroastrianism, for which buta was a symbol of life and eternity.
4) The drawing repeats the signature of the ancient ruler of Persia, who was forced to surrender to his enemies after severe battles. He was so upset by his defeat that he cut his own wrist and, pressing the wound to the document, put his bloody signature on it. After this, the boteh pattern began to appear on carpets throughout Persia, supposedly glorifying the brave ruler.
5) Other sources say that “buta” are cotton buds.
6) Or they write that this is a stylization of floral splashes and cypress wood.
7) In Pakistan it is called "carrey", which means "mango seed" in Urdu.
8) The word “buta” in Sanskrit means “fire” (bute - puta - buta) and in India this pattern is very popular.
9) A small steppe shrub plant also has the same name. Its flowers resemble the buta symbol in shape and have a special intoxicating aroma and narcotic properties. During Zoroastrian cult celebrations, they were burned on the temples in temples and in the houses of worshipers of the green goddess Vega, Anahita, Mithra and later Ahura Mazda.
And now a selection of incredibly beautiful photos... Let's admire them:
fabrics and patterns.
quilling...
from paper...
cakes, pastries, cookies...
scrapbooking...
in the interior...
knitting, embroidery...
decorations...
looks like decoupage
Ornament itself is one of the oldest types of human visual activity, which in the distant past carried a symbolic and magical meaning, iconicity, and semantic function. But gradually these signs-symbols acquired the ornamental expressiveness of a pattern, which began to be considered only as an aesthetic value.
The debate about the origin of the paisley pattern is still ongoing. The difficulty lies in deciphering it and dating its original origin. After all, ethnocultural contacts, trade, military campaigns, and religious missions contributed to the movement of symbols, ideas and styles. Therefore, there are several versions of the origin and symbolic meaning of paisley.
Turkish cucumber (paisley, but) is a floral ornament that depicts a cone, a flower and symbolizes fertility, wealth, and prosperity. In Iran, the image of a “Turkish cucumber” is a wish for happiness and prosperity at home. Patterns and drawings depicting buta are found in designs of carpets, fabrics, works of decorative and applied art, as well as the decor of architectural structures.
One of the symbols of the ancient religion of Zoroastrianism (or Mazdaism). In this version, “buta” are tongues of flame that embody life and eternity. The plant has the same name, the flowers of which are shaped like the buta symbol and have an exciting aroma and narcotic properties. In Zoroastrian rituals it was used to honor the green goddess Vega, Anahite, Mithra, and later Ahura Mazda.
In India and Pakistan, the design is associated with the shape of the mango seed. It also denotes dynamics, development, reproduction, since its shape resembles a sprouted grain or embryo. The Egyptian pattern, which depicts an ear of wheat, is a sign of immortality. And the Far East compares paisley with half of the Yin-Yang sign.
But despite the name, which connects the pattern with the cultures of either Turkey or India, in fact such an ornament is an invention of the Slavs, or more precisely, the Old Russians (the Old Russian state united Russia, Ukraine and Belarus). Currently, it is one of the most famous elements of historical ornament.
Externally, the design of the Turkish cucumber is somewhat reminiscent of the wing profile of some aircraft models. And, just as a wing cuts through the air, the Turkish cucumber shape is designed to disperse energy. As a result of the presence of such an ornament, energy vortexes are formed on the fabric, which serve a person as powerful protection from energy exhaustion, attacks, the evil eye, etc. They say that if you hold your hand over the right Turkish cucumber, you can feel it physically.
That is why the shape of the traditional Russian hat, which is called skufya * (see below):
It looks so much like the same Turkish cucumber. It was worn not only for warmth: it served as a powerful amulet, since it protected a person by directing powerful rays of energy forward, capable of clearing thin, invisible space, like fired arrows.
Old Russian patterns and embroideries were not simple decorations for clothing; they served as an amulet and amulet; clothing complemented not only the physical appearance, but also subtle energy structures, protecting a person from external influences at all levels. The example of the Turkish cucumber clearly shows how important every stroke, every finest curl of the pattern is in these drawings. Moreover, at that time, color schemes were selected for the purpose of energy control and protection; the size of the design, and even such a seemingly trifle as knots on the wrong side of the outfit, served the same purpose. It is no secret that the highest class of ornamental embroidery is determined precisely by the reverse side: it must be smooth, without a single knot. Ancient magic gives its own explanation for this: every break in the thread and every knot represents an obstacle, a failure, a broken connection. While embroidering clothes, the craftswomen performed a literally materialized prayer, physically connecting the threads of the destinies of the entire family into a single harmonious pattern. That's why any embroidery is a talisman. Many people know the beautiful Pavloposad shawls, which often depict this design:
Paisley had a turbulent history of conquering Europe; at different times it rose to the peak of popularity, then disappeared somewhere, but was soon revived again. It came to Europe at the end of the 18th century, when the aristocracy was delighted with cashmere shawls with a pattern unusual for that time.
Until the beginning of the 19th century, the key center for the production of fabrics with this pattern was the Scottish city of Paisley, in whose honor the pattern received its second name. “Paisley” or “Paisley” is how it is still called today in the textile industry, in the circles of designers and fashion historians. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the production of fabric with such an ornament stopped: it gradually began to go out of fashion.
The next wave of popularity was the hippie era - the 1960s. In terms of style and color scheme, the bright oriental “drop” perfectly suited the cheerful and peace-loving hippies, captivating them with its richness, diversity and magical shape. In those days, “Turkish beans” could be found anywhere, even John Lennon decorated his Rolls-Royce with them.
In 1981, the Etro fashion house released a collection of decorative fabrics with a “cucumber” print, spotted by the brand’s founder, Girolamo Etro, on his trip to India. The pattern applied by local residents to cashmere - the paisley pattern - captivated the famous antique dealer, collector, traveler, beauty expert and founder of the Etro brand, and since then the print has adorned all of his products: furniture, textiles, perfumes, clothing and accessories .
Turkish cucumber today
Currently, designers around the world are actively developing the theme of the Russian scarf in clothing, and fabric with the Turkish cucumber pattern is used for a wide variety of types of clothing. Color solutions are found both classic and newfangled, including bright colors like fuchsia, purple, indigo, etc. The Turkish cucumber print is so popular among modern fashionistas that in everyone’s wardrobe there can even be a whole shelf of things united by this ancient and at the same time so relevant pattern. It’s easy to explain: a dress with a Turkish paisley pattern can be worn both to a party and as casual wear, and it goes well with many original accessories. That is why Turkish cucumber can be considered the most versatile print option.
In interior design, it appears on bed linen, decorative pillows, curtains, dishes, tiles, wallpaper, various accessories and decorative elements (forged, knitted, embroidered, painted, etc.). In addition, cucumber patterns are used in jewelry, cooking, tattooing and manicure, landscape design, etc. The “Turkish bean” is not only depicted on objects, but the objects themselves repeat their shape - even if this similarity is obvious only to the designers themselves.
* Skufja:
Skufya is an ancient headdress in Rus', common not only among the Orthodox clergy, but also among other segments of the population. The history of this headdress begins in Greece, where priests wore small soft caps in the shape of a pyramid or a boat, usually black or purple. If you look closely, the skufia worn is sewn in such a way that it forms the sign of the cross on the head.
It is interesting that in history there are references to this headdress not only as a Greek church robe, but also about its Scythian origin. Zaporozhye and Don Cossacks also wore skufia. Foreigners wrote in their notes about traveling around Russia that the carriers across the Don wore some kind of high, pointed hats made of felt, in the shape of a pyramid. The rest of the Cossacks wore the same headdress before moving to Kuban, as evidenced by paintings from that time.
"Nicknames" of Skufja
Skufya has many names and synonyms that were used among the people - this is skufiya, yarmulke , poppy (probably because it was worn on the top of the head), spruce, skullcap , as a joke - a shoulder pad, and just a little cap.
Now skufia are usually made of velvet and are a badge of honor for the white, i.e. married clergy, and an everyday headdress for monks. This headdress is usually worn during normal times outside of religious services.
Skufia is also worn in church, being removed only at especially solemn moments of the ceremony. This cap is sewn from a material predominantly black or blue. It is also used to reward particularly distinguished clergy. In this case, it is sewn from purple material.
In the ancient church, skufia was worn not only by priests, but by bishops and deacons, cutting a small circle of hair on the top of their heads - gumenets. This was considered an integral part of the image of a person of clergy rank. Until the 17th century, the clergy feared the “removal of skufia,” which was tantamount to the loss of rank. And after the decree of Peter I, the purple skufia was considered a reward and began to be made of velvet instead of wool.
The Moscow tsars loved to wear hats of this shape, which were called tafyas. They were worn not only by royal males, but in general by people of noble birth, both women and men. Nuns still wear women's skufia as an everyday headdress.
Among the Old Believers, even the readers who were initiated into this title had the right to wear such a cap, having their hair cut off on the top of their heads in order to wear it.
Skufja on my head today
Currently, Orthodox deacons can wear a skufa on the street during outdoor services, such as processions of the cross, blessing of water, funeral services, etc.
Among Catholics, wearing skufia is no less common, only it is the main insignia of bishops, who wear it in the form of a small round cap with a short tuft in the middle. By the color of this headdress one can determine the position and rank of a Catholic bishop, usually in combination with a cassock and belt. In some monastic orders, these black caps are also worn by ordinary priests. Monsignors (a special title for Catholic priests) often wear a black skufia with a crimson tuft.
Shawls, scarves and shawls made from a wide variety of fabrics, decorated with paisley patterns, have never gone out of fashion. This ornament is also called the Indian cucumber, palm branch and Persian cypress - and this clearly indicates to us that the pattern came to Europe from the East.
Paisley: From the East with love
The Indian pickle pattern appeared in Europe at the end of the eighteenth century. The European aristocracy was fascinated by cashmere shawls with an unusual pattern for that time, brought to the Old World by tireless travelers. European women were pleasantly surprised not only by the pattern resembling an ornate teardrop, but also by the cashmere softness of the shawls. The rectangular shape of the product also created a sensation - before that, all kinds of European shoulder capes had a triangular (shawl) shape.
The baton was successfully picked up by the weavers of the city of Paisley - the poorest, dirtiest and most ordinary town in Scotland. The variegated pattern literally transformed the outback, turning it into the center of textile production in Western Europe.
Since then, this ornament has gone through a huge number of variations; they began to decorate not only fabrics, but also many other things. And this artistic design acquired its main name - paisley.
The paisley pattern can be called a hymn to reproduction, because its shape resembles a sprouted seed or embryo. According to the Indians, this configuration is a symbol of dynamics, development and energy. Therefore, it is not surprising that in India everything is decorated with cucumber patterns, even brides’ dresses.
How to distinguish “Indian cucumber” from “palm branch” and “Persian cypress”?
It is not difficult to distinguish the “Indian cucumber” from the “palm branch” - the “palm branch” ornament has an elongated shape, while the “Indian cucumber” looks like a pot-bellied tadpole. “Persian Cypress” is a leaf-shaped configuration of a cypress tree, a sacred tree that grows among other trees in the Garden of Eden. Residents of the Middle East are sure that a person dressed in clothes with a “Persian cypress” pattern will bypass all sorrows.
The Far East compares paisley with half of the Yin-Yang sign and strongly recommends decorating everything you can with this ornament in order to gain—and then not lose—inner harmony.
Paisley in the 20th century
In the sixties of the last century, this ornament was very popular. First, women's bags and men's ties with the “Indian cucumber” appeared in London stores, then this design began to be applied to everything - from plates to watches.
The real fashion frenzy began when John Lennon decorated his Rolls-Royce with paisley. Boutiques all over the world were filled with clothes and accessories with “Indian cucumber”. Everything was sold out instantly, to the delight of the manufacturers and sellers of this product.
Rummaging through the old wardrobe of your grandmothers and mothers, you will probably find more than one item with this pattern. And don’t rush to return it back to the old chest - today paisley is again at the peak of popularity.
Indian cucumber - the squeak of modern fashion
Silk men's ties with a printed paisley pattern are very popular now. Some designers regularly include this pattern in the design of leather bags. Scarves with this pattern in red and blue have never gone out of fashion. And a strong man with a bandana on his head, decorated with a paisley pattern, personifies a wealthy guy, the owner of a farm or ranch.
But what designers offer to women is simply cool - there’s no other way to say it. Paisley dresses in all colors, shades and styles. Miniskirts and floor-length skirts. Suits that can be worn to the office, and frivolous blouses for discotheques. In general, everything that happened in the sixties of the last century, and even earlier. Another advantage of clothes with paisley patterns is that they suit both fragile women and women of weighty shapes.
However, if someone does not dare to immediately wear a colorful dress with “Indian cucumber” and at the same time does not want to lag behind fashion, accessories decorated with this pattern will come to the rescue. Perhaps it will be a canvas bucket bag that can be worn every day, or perhaps a hard plain wallet-case.
And to definitely keep up with fashion, you can add a swimsuit, a silk scarf, a case for glasses or a mobile phone with a paisley pattern to your wardrobe... Or get a corresponding tattoo.
Paisley in the interior of the house
But the hit of 2012 was not only clothes and personal accessories with this pattern. Designers recommend using these colorful patterns in home decoration.
If the owner of the apartment wants a little exotic, just throw two or three pillowcases on the sofa, the pillowcases of which will be covered with “Indian cucumbers.” Well, if you want more exotic, you can add bed linen, candlesticks, and dishes with this pattern to the pillows on the sofa.
Furniture manufacturers successfully use classic versions of paisley to decorate the upholstered parts of sofas, armchairs and chairs. In a room of neutral tones, such furniture looks simply great.
And tiles with this ornament will decorate the walls of the most ordinary bath in the most ordinary house, turning it into the “bath of the Shah.”
Indian cucumber: anywhere and everywhere
Even a not very attentive observer will not be able to help but notice that paisley has made its way literally everywhere. This includes cooking – cookies and cakes made in the shape of a curved drop are very popular. This includes jewelry: brooches, earrings, pendants, rings. These are paisley-shaped boxes, as well as watches, tablecloths, kitchen utensils and so on. In general, you can decorate anything with a paisley pattern. The main thing is not to forget that this ornament does not tolerate other designs around it. His environment should be the same.
Designers are confident that the “Indian cucumber” will not go out of fashion for a long time. Moreover, they claim that houses made in the form of this ornament will soon appear and, perhaps, this is not the limit of imagination - the scope for using this pattern is almost limitless.
“Oriental” or “Turkish cucumber”, “buta”, “Persian cypress” - all this is not a list of plant names, but the name of one very popular pattern. They decorate clothes and shoes, various accessories and dishes, wallpaper, and furniture.
And if in Russia this drop-shaped ornament is most often called a bean or a cucumber, then Europeans know it as paisley - “paisley”. Why does the Turkish cucumber pattern have so many names in different countries, what does it mean and when did it appear in Europe? In this article we will try to answer all these questions.
Why is it called that?
“Tear of Allah”, “Indian” or “oriental cucumber”, “Turkish bean”, “Persian cypress” - all these names are associated with the fact that it resembles a cucumber or sprouted bean in shape. In cases where the Turkish cucumber is drawn with a petiole at the bottom, it is called “palm leaf” or “cypress”.
In each country, this ornament is assigned different meanings; in Iran, the image of an oriental cucumber is considered a wish for happiness and prosperity, while in India it symbolizes movement or development.
When and where did he appear?
Discussions devoted to the answer to this question are still ongoing. There are many theories and versions of where the Turkish cucumber was created, as well as who adopted it and from whom. The problem is that for centuries there has been trade and diplomatic relations between countries. Nations and people traveled, moved, their cultural traditions, symbols and ideas also traveled and mixed. Let's consider several main hypotheses about the origin of buta - Indian cucumber.
The most distant version from us in time is that the Turkish cucumber known to us is an ancient Egyptian ornament, and it symbolized immortality, represented in the symbolic form of an ear of wheat.
Two later versions say that buta was born in Persia or India. In both cases, this word means “fire”, only in the Persian case this pattern, which came from the oldest world religion - Zoroastrianism, symbolizes eternity and life, and in the Indian interpretation - simply sacred fire.
There is another very beautiful version-legend about the origin of buta. According to her, the “Turkish cucumber” design appeared due to the defeat in the war of one of the ancient rulers of Persia. Distressed by the military failure, he cut his own wrist and put his bloody signature on the document of surrender. After this act, carpet weaving masters began to place the “buta” pattern on their products, thereby glorifying the courage of this ruler.
There are other, less popular theories, but they all clearly speak of only one thing: this beautiful pattern, which delights us even today, came to Europe from Asia.
How did it appear in Europe?
The Turkish cucumber is an ornament that conquered Britain at the beginning of the 17th century, and European countries and Russia in the 18th century. Buta came to England along with the British returning from India, which was a colony at that time. It was they who brought cashmere shawls, which were decorated with the “Turkish cucumber” pattern. You can see a photo of a similar, but modern product with this motif below.
In Europe, the Turkish bob pattern became popular at the end of the 18th century also thanks to Indian shawls and a Scottish town called Paisley. It was in this town that the first production of fabrics with similar patterns was established, which existed until the beginning of the 20th century. At this time, the fashion for fabrics with a paisley pattern is gradually passing away.
History of the oriental cucumber in Russia
Just like in Europe, this pattern came to Russia in the 18th century, when the fashion for cashmere scarves appeared in high society. However, everyone loved this pattern, and today most people consider the Turkish cucumber to be a Russian pattern. The pattern “settled” on Ivanovo chintz and printed fabrics, as well as on Pavloposad shawls.
The pattern can be either clearly defined (it is used to fill the middle or edges of scarves or fabrics), or in the form of various plant and floral motifs, arranged in a “cucumber” shape and without a clear outline.
Paisley today
Forgotten at the beginning of the twentieth century, in the 60s the Turkish cucumber pattern again became fashionable and popular. This was greatly facilitated by John Lennon, who purchased a Rolls-Royce decorated with a paisley pattern, and the film “Summer of Love” was released, as well as men’s ties with a “paisley” pattern that became fashionable at that time.
In the 70s, the intricate oriental “buta” pattern attracted the attention of hippies, who appreciated the variegation, richness and “drop” shape.
In the 80s, several fashion houses, for example, Missoni, Etro and a number of others, began to actively use the paisley pattern in their haute couture creations. For Etro, the “cucumber” motif has become the calling card and decoration of all collections: clothing, perfumes, furniture, textiles.
Modern fashionistas are happy to use things decorated with “cucumber” patterns to create a variety of looks, which today are painted not only in classic, but also in bright and fashionable colors, such as indigo or fuchsia.