I didn’t mention much about the patterns, that was a big part of the title of the show. I don’t know, I love seeing all kinds of patterns, but often I think the curators overthink things way to much. There are standard designs that show up all over the world, as beautiful as these are to me it’s about the overall affect.
One thing that is still confounding me is how invisible the weft threads are. The docent couldn’t really explain it, and looking online didn’t really help. So I’ll stop being so technical and just enjoy the beauty.
There were a number of examples of this kind of Ikat. Velvet. Velvet is always an expensive fabric, it takes twice as many warp threads, and they pulled up with each row of weaving, then cut to a fine pile. I am counting 7 colors here, which makes sense. If you are going to make velvet make it extraordinary.
More velvet, this time with bold simple paisleys, or Bodums as they are know in Asia. This design element originates in central/west Asia. Notice how ‘simple the undergarment is, except for that wonderful band of ‘plain’ woven ribbon.
This is a woman’s garment, clinched in a little at the waist. The lining fabrics are also interesting. These are roller print cottons from Russia, this happens to be a lovely example, many are much simpler. Once again, that crazy mixture of colors, patterns and styles.
More pattern mixing.
The undergarment is a simple Ikat, what we’d call ombre today. Looks like someone planned some embroidery there, but never got around to actually doing it.
Big, bold, brash, with an interesting juxtaposition of smaller stripes.
More big and bold. A clear indication that this is warp Ikat, look how sharp all the vertical lines are and how fuzzy the horizontal ones are.
Close up of velvet.
Incredible color
Ok, I tried to flip the image, it didn’t work. Then I realized it really doesn’t matter, it is just as beautiful this way.
Leah