Artwork Page for Woman’s Robe (munisak)

Details / Information for Woman’s Robe (munisak)

Woman’s Robe (munisak)

1850–75

Uzbekistan, Bukhara

Medium
Silk: velvet ikat
Measurements
Overall: 132.1 x 150 cm (52 x 59 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Arlene C. Cooper 2009.267
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Dazzling ikat velvet robes, the most sumptuous, expensive, and prestigious type of ikat, were worn throughout Central Asia by men and women. This resplendent robe with a V-shaped neckline, fitted torso, and slightly flaring skirt features stylized blossoming plants, pomegranates, and auspicious curved ram’s horns, all with irregular contours of the resist-dye ikat technique. Such female robes were culturally significant in Central Asia. Made for wedding dowries with fabric from the groom’s family, women wore munisaks for rites of passage throughout their lives, as a bride, at family festivals, and funerals.
A flared silk velvet robe lies flat, its wide sleeves extending horizontally from the paneled body. Bold, symmetrical patterns in deep purple, gold, white, and red cover the fabric. Central white ovals with red bars align vertically, while curved yellow forms and jagged plant-like motifs repeat across the side panels. A thin purple border trims the hem and cuffs. The velvet's soft sheen highlights the vibrant, intricate patterns throughout.

Woman’s Robe (munisak)

1850–75

Uzbekistan, Bukhara

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