Bashir Fragment

Abstracted floral designs, often inspired by Persian models became increasingly popular in Central Asia with eastern Turkmen weavers in the area of the Oxus River. This exceptional fragment made up the majority portion of a shallow bagface and draws rows of three distinct vegetal scrolls. Each is elegantly rendered in shades of indigo, green-blue, gold, and natural camel against a deep brick madder ground. Familiar persianate elements such as boteh paisleys and ‘Herati’ leaves are innovatively linked with a sophistication that underlies all great Turkmen weavings.