Khos Duzi of Hormozgan: Exploring the Art of Traditional Persian Embroidery

Khos Duzi is a delicate and intricate embroidery technique that involves sewing thin strips of gold or silver thread, known as Khos threads, onto fine lace or velvet fabrics. This centuries-old craft transforms simple textiles into shimmering works of art.

The strips are arranged to form geometric, cursive, arabesque, and traditional motifs such as “Danehee” and “Kheshti Payeh Boland.” While historically applied to lace, Khos Duzi is also beautifully executed on velvet using a special needle called a Chenille needle.

Although the exact origins of Khos Duzi remain unclear, it was widely practiced in Bandar Abbas and Baluchestan during the Safavid dynasty. Over time, artisans refined the technique, creating pieces of extraordinary beauty and complexity.

Uses and Applications

Khos Duzi has been traditionally used to embellish a variety of textiles, including:

• Lace drapes and scarves (Jalbil)

• Black lace chadors

• Bridal gowns and women's vests

• Scarves and headwear

• Quran covers

• Trousers, bedding, and cushion covers

The craft’s versatility and elegance have made it a staple in both ceremonial and everyday textiles.

Patterns and Motifs

The most common Khos Duzi patterns include hexagonal, octagonal, and dodecagonal stars, as well as:

• “Noh Khesht”

• “Kandoo Asal” (honeycomb)

• “Shesh Ghalb” (six hearts)

• “Khesht Dar Khesht” (brick within brick)

• Small stars and floral designs such as “Naghsh e Gol” and “Gol e Ferferei”

• Animal motifs including crabs, butterflies, scorpions, and peacocks

• Borders like “Hashieh Barg Anjiri,” “Hashieh Ghalbi,” and “Hashieh Chashm e Gav”

Because the motifs are simple and repetitive, no preliminary drawing is needed. The artisan stitches freely, allowing personal taste to guide the design. When executed carefully, both the front and back of the fabric shine equally, giving the piece a luminous, double-sided elegance.

A Craft of Gold and Silver

The threads themselves define Khos Duzi. Made of gold or silver, they give the embroidery its signature shimmer and its name, which literally means “stitching of the Khos.” Modern artisans sometimes combine Khos Duzi with other decorative techniques, such as Golabatoon embroidery or sequins, producing one-of-a-kind creations.

Khos Duzi is more than an embroidery technique—it is a celebration of craftsmanship, cultural heritage, and artistic expression, keeping centuries-old Iranian traditions alive with every glittering stitch.