Central Asian Ikats

Beautifully illustrated with close up details and a history of the textile production of tie-dyed silk.

Centuries old, the ikat technique is a complex sequence of tiedyeing silk threads to create elaborate patterns in striking colours before weaving. This invaluable introduction to the magnificent ikats of Central Asia sets the creation of these fabrics into the context of a long history of textile production, which once centred around the trade of the famous Silk Road. Illustrated throughout with glorious examples from the collection of Doris Raus, Central Asian Ikats examines the social significance and various functions of these fabrics in Central Asian culture, as well as describing the fascinating and complex technique involved in their creation.