My friends Metin and Moya of Turkuaz Motif are closing their store in Crows Nest. They’ll now be concentrating on their market stalls across Sydney (details here). If you’re in the area, you still have three days to pop into their shop (127 Willoughby Road) to pick up some last minute bargains.
I visited today and bought this stunning, hand-painted platter. It’s very large – 42cm in diameter – and matches several smaller bowls and plates that I already own…
It’s a damaged piece that has been carefully repaired by Metin.
I love that, because it means that hours of meticulous craftsmanship haven’t gone to waste, the plate didn’t end up in landfill, and I had the opportunity to buy something at a massively discounted price that I couldn’t justify otherwise.
I’ll treasure this platter, because now it has a story. Perfection is overrated, and often very, very wasteful.
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The exquisitely detailed fabric below is known as a Suzani, and it’s an Uzbek wedding cloth.
It was hand-embroidered by a bride as part of her dowry in 1982 (the date is stitched into the fabric). Metin told me that often a spare would be made, which would then be sold if the wife didn’t need it or if funds were required. I can’t imagine anyone putting so much work into something and then selling it!
I’d never seen these traditional tribal textiles before and I was instantly smitten. At 1.5m x 2.6m, it will make an amazing tablecloth if I can find a sheet of plastic large enough to protect it. The second photo below (under the coffee cup) shows the needlepoint in more detail…
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I don’t have any affiliation with Turkuaz Motif, but Metin and Moya are incredibly lovely and I’m very keen to support them. When Mum and I walked by their stall at the Rocks Markets shortly after Dad passed away, Met went out of his way to give Mum a small bowl as a gift. She was very touched by his kindness. Today as I was leaving, he gave me this tiny espresso cup and saucer, and an enameled copper ring…
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If you’re in Sydney and a fan of Turkish ceramics or Central Asian textiles, you have until Saturday to pick up a bargain at their Crows Nest store. Otherwise, you can catch them at the Rocks Markets (every Saturday or Sunday) or the Kirribilli Markets (every fourth Saturday of the month). Say hi for me!
Fig Jam and Lime Cordial 
Lovely story of generosity.
Lovely. I’m an avid collector of fabric pieces from my travel. I should use them (and some do make it to the table) but most are hiding in my cupboards. I do pull them out to look at them. Great photos.
What lovely people and kind gestures.
I guess what a person sows is what they reap.
You’re kind & generous Celia and have sowed that through your community & friends. And now look what your kindness has reaped – kindness in return!
Thanks for sharing!
Oh how I wish I lived closer to pop in for a few beautiful pieces.
Have a happy day Celia.
:-) Mandy xo
Everything is so very beautiful – I love that there are still folk around the world keeping beautiful crafts alive. And what generosity….they deserve all good things, what lovely people!
Lovely things in their store. I wish I lived closer as it looks like a beautiful place. I would probably do part of my Christmas shopping there! Did you say the cloth was hand embroidered? It looks stunning. I can only imagine how many hours of work went into making that. What a treasure!
Celia, I loved the shop when we went. I still have my bowls.
Beautiful items. You’re so right, perfection is indeed overrated… :)
Beautifully colourful things. I can’t imagine putting the effort needed into one of the wedding shawls. What generous people Metin and Moya are. Enjoy your beautiful platter.
Absolutely beautiful workmanship. I really admire things that someone has labored over and put so much of themselves into. Metin and Moya sound like very lovely people.
What amazing pieces and warm hearted people. I wish I was in Sydney. That textile embroidery is amazing!
That’s a very beautiful platter and what a handy size! It does have a lovely history. I’ve often found that people from the Middle East tend to be very generous and are often bearing gifts – I’m not surprised he gave your mother a gift xx
“Perfection is overrated” – I agree with the thought and am totally in love with your stunning platter. History can add so much meaning to what might otherwise be an ordinary piece, though that platter could never be ordinary.
Well, you already know that I LOVE everything!!!
It’s good to know Turkuaz Motif are still doing markets… I loved things that are mended/recycled/upcycled… and most of all that have a story :)
Oh gorgeous. I wish I lived nearby! I have a tiny little Turkish bowl that a friend gave me, and I love the bright colours and intricate detail of it. :)
xo Molly
Beautiful! I love Turkish cowls and plates, every time we go to Stratford I bring home another one (or two or three). Lovely people, isn’t it a pleasure to deal with gracious vendors? :)
*bowls*!
I love those Turkish plates! You were kind enough to give me a bowl I remember. All those colours are just so eye catching!
Its amazing how so many cultures make beautiful things for dowries. I was very taken with a large embroidered mat in Fiji. Such lovely things Celia.
Perfection is overrated….how true! I absolutely love these colourful ceramics…such incredible workmanship…each one has a story! Love the fact that your platter was lovingly repaired. Very special indeed. Wish I could make it to Crows Nest…I’ve been admiring their wares for some time! Must catch them at the markets…thanks Celia! :-)
Beautiful stunning merchandise. I hope Metin and Moya enjoy great success in their new markets-only role.
Wow, stunning pottery!
Beautiful! I especially like the pattern of the little espresso cup and saucer. And how kind they were.
OMG that rug is GORGEOUS!!! I have great appreciation for your style, my dear. The platter is wonderful and I love the statement that perfection is overrated. I’m going to say that out loud every time I look in the mirror. :)
What treasures! And I’m talking about Metin and Moya more than the items, although they, too, are fantastic, Celia. They seem like very kind, generous people and hope they do well. Now, that platter is quite a find. I agree that perfection is over-rated and it would be a shame if such a fine piece ended up in a landfill. The wedding cloth will make a stunning table cloth, too. Good buy!
Celia, I love “stories” behind dishes, kitchenware, and pretty much everything else. This one was heartwarming, thank you. Best wishes to Metin & Moya on their Sydney venture!
That platter is stunning, and the work in that cloth!…
Gorgeous!
How gorgeous! I could spend a fortune here… but best not. My house is already jam packed. Love it though, Celia, thanks for sharing. Sending hugs to you, the boys and Pete, and your mum xx