Ikat: Splendid Silks of Central Asia

The ikat silks of 19th-century Central Asia are unrivalled in their inventive designs, resplendent colours and technical mastery. Ikat is an ancient technique, in which colours are applied to silk warp yarns in a multi-stage, tie-dye resist method before being woven. Highlighting the Guido Goldman collection, this study incorporates original research in Russia and Uzbekistan, and examines the complex history of Central Asia. A chapter on technique describes the different staqges of production, and an analysis of the evolution and chronology of ikat design shows the rich cross-fertilization of influences between ikat design, embroidery, carpets, jewellery and ceramics.