An exceptional antique Uzbek Shahrisabz ( Shahkhrsyabz ) silk embroidery dating to the 3rd quarter of 19th century. This excellent example of a very rare type is fully embroidered using fine silks in a iroqi stitched (a type of semi cross-stitched specific to Shahrisabz region). The colours and the way they are used to contrast to one another is visually striking. i love the soft yellow inside the mihrab against the turquoise outer side. The design is in the shape of a prayer arch / mihrab with classic floral motifs in and and around. i have only seen a handful of these that have survived. They were not just hangings given as dowry offerings. But i think they played a function. They were used as portable mini prayer mats where upon prayers, the head would be rested on this clean textile. Of course because it was silk and expensive, it would only be used on special occasions and most of the time in a box of family textile treasures or hung on the wall. That perhaps explains the excellent condition these types often come in. It is a rare piece worthy of any good collection. i have put a fair price on it. Hard to see many such mini prayer arch textiles. Size: 50cm x 37cm (20” x 14.5”).