A Lakai silk suzani embroidery, Uzbekistan,

on a silk and cotton ikat panel

Comprised of fifteen ikat panels sewn together. Very small, pea-size hole in one corner and very minor tear in another. Sides bound with one very minor break to selvage on one side. Fabric backed with old but sound printed fabric with some holes. Very good overall condition, unusual combination of techniques, ready for use.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Embroideries on ikat-patterned silks are among the rarest and most unusual works of textile-art from Central Asia. In spite of being highly unorthodox in its amalgamation of techniques, the present lot exhibits the traditional composition of a Suzani from Uzbekistan with the utilization of a wide border and centralized field design. While the diagonally set flowering branches in the border further emphasize a sense of order in the composition, many of the delicately curvelinear stems in the field terminate in red areas of the ikat panel, creating a subtle transition between techniques and thus enhancing the complexity of the design. For a comparable embroidery in the collection of Marshall and Marilyn Wolf, see Ernst J. Grube, Keshte, New York, 2003, no. 29.