a fine example of Afghan Hazara silk embroidered ceremonial textile. These very fine textiles were used as wrapping for a clay tablet with scripture known as Turbah (part of prayer ritual of Shia Muslims like Hazaras and symbolising earth). This is one of the oldest and finest example i have seen, possibly early 1900.. Unlike Uzbek silk embroideries which follow floral repertoires, the design of the Hazara tribe's embroideries were often concocted with geometric patterns. This example is a coveted in Hazara textile design. The chequered form in which geometric patterns repeat in an array of contrasting colours over a white ground is just an exercise in colour. Thenexceptionally fine silk embroidery on the white ground needs to be seen in live to be appreciated. In mint condition as these should often be. Size: size: 37cm x 35cm (14.5" x 13").