This woman's sleeveless robe, to be worn with the square cap, was part of a diplomatic gift presented to the Museum in 2004 by the Government of Uzbekistan. The gift was in recognition of the partnership established between the Museum and the Uzbek Ministry of Cultural Affairs for the loan exhibition 'Bright flowers: textiles and ceramics of Central Asia'. This exhibition featured a selection of objects from state museums in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan, including the large dowry embroideries known as suzanis, embroidered robes and dresses, and decorative ceramics spanning ten centuries. Together with other items of dress, the woman's robe serves not only as a tangible symbol of this partnership, but also represents the continuity of the Central Asian tradition of diplomatic gifts of decorative robes. Robes like this are traditionally worn by women over an ankle length dress and trousers.

This particular robe demonstrates the changes in production over time in Uzbek textile tradition as inexpensive commercial imported fabrics have been used and it has been machine finished. This reflects the relatively high demand for decorative robes like this which are often worn at weddings, birthdays and other celebrations.

References:
Kalter, Johannes & Pavaloi, M (eds.)., 'Heirs to the Silk Road - Uzbekistan' (London and New York, 1997)
Sumner, Christina & Petherbridge, Guy, 'Bright flowers: textiles and ceramics of Central Asia' (Powerhouse Publishing, Sydney, 2004)

Melanie Pitkin
Assistant Curator Design & Society 2009

Christina Sumner
Principal Curator Design & Society 2011

This robe has been machine made from Russian imported fabrics.

Between 17 September 2004 and 20 February 2005, the Powerhouse Museum hosted the exhibition 'Bright flowers: textiles and ceramics of Central Asia', which was curated by Christina Sumner and featured selected objects from state museums in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. During her four visits to Central Asia for the development of this exhibition, the curator forged strong links with Government agencies, including those in Uzbekistan.

This sleeveless woman's robe, to be worn with an embroidered square cap, was presented to the then Deputy Director Ms Jennifer Sanders and comprised part of a formal gift to her and to the then Director Dr Kevin Fewster from Mr Erkin Ernazarov, on behalf of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Tashkent in Uzbekistan during a visit to Sydney in April 2004. In return for their gift, which reflected Central Asia's long tradition of giving robes and accessories as diplomatic gifts, the Museum presented the three delegates with Akubra hats.

Robe, womens, velvet / felt / synthetic fabric / imitation gold thread, designer and maker unknown, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, 2000-2003

Sleeveless robe with open front made from synthetic maroon velvet with gold thread embroidery and beaded decoration of floral and scrolling motifs. The decoration covers the front of the robe, the back of the shoulders and around the hem. The inside of the robe is lined in black synthetic fabric and is machine stitched.

Made: 2000 - 2003

No marks

2011/51/4

2000 - 2003