Torzhok Gold Embroidery

a type of Russian needlework practiced in Torzhok since the 13th century and widely developed in the 18th century. Traditional items are ornamented with gold and silver threads, mainly using raised embroidery with running stitches along the borders. They include footwear and gloves of saffian, as well as various parts of festive folk costumes, objects of religious use, belts, and purses of velvet, broadcloth, and other fabrics. The patterns are most often floral designs with a rose-branch motif, the basic pattern being embellished with flourishes, tendrils, and spangles, which soften the transition from the raised design to the background.

In 1928 the Torzhok embroiderers joined together to form the March 8 Torzhok Gold Embroidery Artel, and in 1960 the artel was reorganized as a factory, becoming a branch of the Kalininskie Uzory Production Association. This enterprise mainly produces badges of rank for the Soviet Army, emblems, dresses, and clothing panels. Senior embroiderers include A. V. Ivanova, I. D. Sazonova, and K. I. Tsvetkova.