An excellent and very rare antique Uzbek silk embroidered Ikat ceremonial saddle cover, made in rural areas of Shahrisabz during the 19th century. This fine horse cover was a likely a bridal textile. The curved bottom part consists of silk iroqi stitch embroidery (irooqi is a term referring to a type of semi cross stitch embroidery associated with the works of the city of Shahrisabz). This embroidered section consists of five sun burst star motifs contained in round discs and repeating in two colour combination. The top part of the saddle cover is made up of silk warp / silk weft atlas Ikat with vibrant colours and archaic motifs arranged in strips. It is finished with gorgeous polychrome tassels and a satin Ikat lining. a similar piece was showcased alongside many other central Asian silk embroideries at the exhibition: “Story of Islamic Embroidery in Nomadic and Urban Traditions," held at the Emirates Palace in 2010 in Abu Dhabi, uae. a rare textile art offered at a fair price. Size: 90cm / 45cm x 68cm (36” / 18” x 27”). Tassels extend an extra 14cm (5.5”)…. . ….. (If you message via rugrabbit and don’t get a response within 24 hours, then your message hasn’t got to us so please email directly to: istalificollections@outlook.com.)