Woman's tunic
(20th century)
Medium
silk (ikat), metallic thread
Measurements
108.0 cm (centre back) 168.0 cm (cuff to cuff)
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased with funds donated by Vivien Knowles, 2012
Gallery location
Not on display
Artwork Details
Physical description
This vibrant woman’s tunic is made from silk and features oversized pomegranate motifs in bright and light pink with purple dots to represent the fruit’s seeds. The yellow-orange ground is further adorned by purple dots and boteh, teardrop-shaped forms also known as paisley. The motifs were formed using an ikat technique in which patterns are resist-dyed onto warp threads before weaving. The neckline is embellished with small areas of gold thread embroidery. Most of the processes to make traditional Central Asian clothing – pattern making, dyeing, weaving, cloth finishing and tailoring – were undertaken by male artisans.