First half 19th century, 265 x 197 cm, Central Asia, South West Uzbekistan

A magnificent Shakhrisyabz silk embroidery largely worked in the kanda khayol technique. The field shows a classic four-and-one composition symmetrically conceived around both the vertical and horizontal central axes. A large, red circular blossom enclosing a central rosette surrounded by eight small water jugs marks the mid-point of the field. Eight fan palmettes radiate from it on long thin stems. The four circular blossoms in the corners are ringed by dark green stems resembling wreaths which bear the green, cruciform or curled leaves characteristic of Shakhrisyabz. Eight birds and two water jugs are depicted in the field. In the very wide main border, seven large circular blossoms alternate with seven diagonal floral crosses. The surrounding stems of four of the circular blossoms are decorated with blue flowers. – Slight signs of age and wear, several small areas backed with fabric. Good overall condition, calico backing.

LINDAHL, DAVID & KNORR, THOMAS, Uzbek. Lörrach-Tüllingen 1975, pl. 20 *** GRUBE, ERNST J., Keshte. Central Asian Embroideries. The Marshall and Marilyn Wolf Collection. New York 2003, no. 15 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, A 79, 26/11/2011, lot 138