Exhibition

Kaleidoscopic Dreamcoats: Central Asian Ikat Robes
Mull Gallery, November 29, 2000 to December 2, 2002
Anne Bissonnette, Curator
  

Woman's Munisak Robe Uzbekistan, possibly from Samarkand mid 19th to early 20th century Warp-faced plain weave silk warp, cotton weft ikat (adras, ishtope, or dagir) Neck to hem: 52"/132.1 cm Cuff to cuff: 58½"/148.6 cm Kent State University Museum, Silverman/Rodgers Collection, KSUM 1983.1.1987. Bright pink pomegranate motifs with green and purple amulets with pendants, surrounded by abstracted floral motifs in yellow, on a white ground. Red silk embroidery under the sleeves at the junction of the bodice and gathered skirt. Unlined. The sheen from the beating and polishing of the cloth is still perceptible.

Fruit, Flowers and Amulets

Blossoming in semi-arid landscapes, Islam conceived of paradise as a garden. Thus fountains, flowers and fruits abound in various Islamic art forms, including ikats. Used to line tents, for household furnishings such as bedding, cushions and wall hangings, as well as in garments, ikats with floral imagery helped create an artificial paradise. Easily recognizable, the amulet motif is also found in the imagery of this robe. Of special magical meaning, the amulet's main body often held miniature versions of sacred texts, while its dangling elements were thought to protect against evil. Other talismans worn by Turkic people to ward off evil spirits, among them the comb, are also seen in numerous ikats.