Bright Flowers: textiles and ceramics of Central Asia

Detail of embroidered suzani from Samarkand StateMuseum of History, Architecture and Art, Uzbekistan.

17 September 2004 - 20 February 2005

A major exhibition of never-before-seen textiles, glazed ceramics, costume and jewellery from museum collections in the Central Asian states of Uzbekistan,
Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. Bright flowers was the result of years of extensive development and negotiations with the state Governments and Museums, and was the first time many of these collections have ever left the country.

Like the region’s ancient and eventful history, the traditional crafts are both vivid and colourful. Reflecting inspiration from Islamic ornament and other traditional motifs, the patterns and designs featured on the ancient artifacts, some dating back to 10 th century, are drawn from ancient beliefs, the ideology and arabesques of Islam and the bright flowers of the oases. Bright flowers offered an exclusive and unique view into not only the provinces’ artistry, but of its culture and society. A lavishly illustrated 160-page full-colour publication supported this major exhibition.

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Bright flowers: textiles and ceramics of Central Asia

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Detail of tagora palyak (wall hanging), silk couching stitch on cotton, made by Tajik or Uzbek women in the Tashkent region, Uzbekistan, about 1930. Collection State Museum of Applied Arts, Tashkent, Uzbekistan.