An exceptional antique Uzbek shahrisabz silk cross-stitched belt. It dates to the 3rd quarter of the 19th century and it is an extraordinary piece. Many often mistakenly and generically call these Lakai when they are shahrisabz. Either way, it is a great museum quality piece with an outstanding design and brilliant natural colours. Intricately detailed design has powerful geometric motifs drawn in an archaic manner. The colours are brilliant. While all silk, particular red dye is in wool and this is an indication of old age. Silk couldn’t absorb this dye so they often used it in wool. So the slight abrasion you see is that wool dye. But it is not distracting what so ever. It is a true collector piece offered at a very reasonable price. Size: 90cm x 8cm (35.5” x 3”)