J.H.Terry

Textiles | Antique Kyrgyz Velvet Fragment

This is quite a magical piece. It is a fragment of Kyrgyz silk embroidery done on black velvet, late 19th century, Wakhan area of Northeast Afghanistan. The embroidery is worked in polychrome silk with lots of subtle shades of vibrant naturally dyed colors, set off by a background of black velvet. The iconography is splendid, with swirling roundels, and four compartmented designs. The border is drawn with twelve eagles or falcons, which were very important in the lives of these nomadic people. Their skills taming, hunting and horseback riding with these majestic animals can be matched by no one, and their use for hunting with these birds can be traced to ancient times. This is a very rare and collectable example. Condition is fair, with wear due to age and use. A unique artifact made by antique people during a bygone era. Price on Request