Secret of creating the Orenburg downy shawl revealed at "INNOPROM. Central Asia" in Tashkent

The International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. Central Asia " commenced on 20 April in Tashkent. At the stand of the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA, a demonstration of the process of shaping the Orenburg down shawl, which is one of Russia's most recognisable symbols, took place. Alongside the Tula samovar, the matryoshka, Khokhloma painting, and the Dymkovo toy, it is a calling card of the country. These light, lace-like products made from Orenburg goat down yarn have been admired for their tenderness, elegance, and craftsmanship for centuries. Orenburg craftswomen have made their art famous worldwide, and the down shawl has become part of Russia's cultural code.

In Tashkent, Yevgenia Sarycheva, Deputy Director of the Orenburg Down Shawl Factory, presented to guests of "INNOPROM. Central Asia" the complete cycle of the final production stage — the shaping of the downy shawl. This process includes washing, combing the down, and fixing the product in a stretched state. It is at the shaping stage that the shawl acquires its final lace-like form, correct size, and characteristic "fluffiness". 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

"Everything we do today is based on the same principles as many decades ago. The technology has not changed: we still work with the finest fibre, known for the fact that the shawl can be pulled through a ring. As a result, it looks weightless but remains very warm. There are more lace-like, airy shawls, like the one we are showing at the trade fair, and there are warm ones, with thicker yarn. In terms of quality, they are in no way inferior to the traditional 'grandmother's' shawls that everyone is used to," said Yevgenia Sarycheva.

During the demonstration, trade fair attendees could see how the product gradually reveals its unique pattern, evens out along the edges, and acquires a precise geometric shape. The live work of the craftswoman allowed them to observe the unique features of Orenburg lace and appreciate how labour-intensive and delicate this craft is.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Yevgenia Sarycheva also noted that while the classic technology is preserved, the factory is actively seeking ways to develop and work with young people: "At our factory, there is a lot of manual labour. Some work on knitting machines, others are shaping masters. Girls come after specialised training, but then we always have a mentoring period — from three months to six months — until the craftswoman gains the necessary experience."

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

According to the expert, new craftswomen study not only the technique but also the sense of form and pattern, and thus gain an understanding of what lies behind the Orenburg shawl: "We already have working dynasties: grandmothers, mothers, daughters who continue this work — and this is probably the most valuable thing."

The International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. Central Asia" opened in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, on 20 April. The National Centre RUSSIA is taking part in an overseas event and presenting there one of its flagship projects — the Department Store RUSSIA, for the first time.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The stand of the Department Store is dedicated to the image of the merchant class — a symbolic intertwining of cultures and peoples. The design of the space conveys the richness and diversity of the cultural heritage of Russia's regions and emphasises the closeness of the traditions of Russia and Uzbekistan.

In total, the stand features products from more than 50 Russian brands from different regions of the country. This includes a special clothing collection featuring quotes from Russian President Vladimir Putin. A central place in the exposition is occupied by an exclusive nevalyashka (roly-poly doll), whose painting is based on a traditional Uzbek costume. This image combines historical motifs, folk art, and contemporary design, thus reflecting the key idea of the project — dialogue of cultures through objects.