An excellent museum grade antique Uzbek silk velvet / Bakhmal Ikat fragment dating to the 19th century Bukhara. Silk velvet Ikats are some of the most coveted of all Central Asian Ikats. The complex weaving process of the fabrics meant only the noble and aristocratic families could afford to buy them and make robes or hangings from them and they were valued as much as gold. This is a very good examples of the genre. The design is outstanding with archaic motifs of protection and prosperity. The natural dyed colours are exceptional. It is in good shape with good silk pile and clean. It was probably once part of a chapan / robe. a piece worthy of any great collection which would look great mounted or framed on the wall as a textile art. size 55cm x 40cm (22" x 16").