An exceptional antique Uzbek Lakai tribe silk embroidery known as Ilgich / Ayna Khalta. Dating to the 19th century, this is unquestionably one of the earliest, most coveted and unusual examples you will see. The unique eagle motifs drawn in a free flowing manner on each sides only appear in older examples. This bridal textile art was a mirror bag cover with false envelope shaped flap at the top and part of the wedding ceremony, after which it would have been hung in the home as Talismanic embroidery. The fine polychrome silk embroidery is done on a wool ground. On the triangle flap we see the classic Lakai motif of protective eye with two stars on each side. On the bottom corners we see another two classic Lakai motifs repeat in alternating colours surrounding a unique box central motif with arrow, rams horn and bird inner detail and profile eaglet repeating in alternating colours on the outer edge. But the most distinguishing motifs are the two curling patterned eagle motifs on each side. The colours are fantastic and all look natural. It has the original silk tassels and backed with a printed cotton. This is as good as Lakai embroideries get and worthy of any top collection. Size: 53cm x 50cm (21” x 20”) with tassels extending an extra 7.5cm (3”).