Abrbandi - Ikats of Central Asia

Silk ikats are among the most vibrant textiles of Central Asia. Part of the weaving tradition known in Persian as 'abrbandi',

they are as stunning to look at as they are challenging to make.

When compared with the delicate ikats of Southeast Asia, these Central Asian cousins are an explosion of colour and pattern.

Abrbandi : Ikats of Central Asia celebrates the artistic and technical virtuosity of silk designers, dyers and weavers of Central Asia at the close of the 19th century. Ikat textiles played many important economic and social roles at that time, when robes and hangings were given in payment for services rendered, as dowry and bride price, and as highly esteemed gifts. Beyond the borders of Central Asia, ikat textiles had political value in diplomatic exchange as gifts between rulers. For peoples ouside Central Asia, as well as for travellers and colonists in the region, ikat fabrics came to symbolise the exoticism  of the Islamic world.

During the 20th century these textiles were collected and brought to Europe, Asia, and the Americas, where they entered the market as complements to the more familiar Central Asia carpets and embroideries. As recognition of their high artistic quality become more widespread, and research placed them into the appropriate cultural context, many ikats found homes in museums. Hear, they deny to play an important part in the dialogue between cultures.

Size : " 10x12"

Year : 2006

Pages : 190

Author: By: Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Binding: Hard Back