Bukhara in National Craft Museum, Delhi | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Step back in the 19th century time, where the colors and patterns of the Central Asian textiles thrive along the silk route next to spices, precious metals, glass substances, horses and cultural ideas. Bukhara, a city along the route, was at the center of this textile tradition.
This rich history is inspired by Bukhara – a trip on the silk route, an exhibition cured by David Housego and India’s Textile Brand Shades founder Mandip Nagi. This performance of his private collection was earlier presented at the National Craft Museum, Delhi and is now making its way for Chennai.
Bukhara Exhibition in New Delhi | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
The focus of this showcase is Sujani Embroidery and Ikat The 19th -century fabrics that reflect the rich heritage of the silk route – drawing on the motifs of the Ottoman Empire in Mughal India, China and Türkiye. “There was an exhibition in Paris last year on Uzbekistan and Central Asian antiquities, and I thought, if a big exhibition could be in the Lauvar, then why can’t we do an exhibition here Sujani Buses and IkshatPeople here are not very familiar with these clothes, ”says David.
“I am a collector Sujanis And Ikshat For a short time. It began when I lived in Iran, and I was killed by their beauty meanings, their colors and their abstract designs – like almost contemporary pictures. During my visit to Afghanistan as a journalist, I came in these amazing Sujanis And was able to buy one or two of them, “David, saying, speaking about how his attraction with these garments began.
David and Mandeep Howgo – Shades of India. Bukhara Exhibition in New Delhi | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Chennai showcase will have 26 pieces Sujani Buses and Ikat Cloxes among other clothes are being displayed for the first time with some. “You will see in the exhibition that we have found many cloaks, which in the 19th century, were a sign of wealth in Uzbekistan,” David says.
These garments should be seen closely close to appreciation. Mandeep says, “The techniques and stitches used are like people found in India, such as chain stitch and satin stitch, but a very strange stitch that they used – a twisted chain stitch. Yarn also is silk and dyed in natural colors. When these things are in a type of form, you will see your own attraction. SujanisThese stitches are still practiced, but clever and biological nature is missing. ,
David Housego and Mandeep Negi, Founder of Textile Brand Shades of India. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Speaking of specific motifs and symbols to see, David mentions that Sujanis Traditionally, they were prepared before weddings and took symbols such as pomegranate, which symbolized fertility. “You will also see round shapes like the moon and the sun, which is believed to represent cosmic effects.”
There is a rich history of ancient textiles in India which has been studied extensively. However, according to the husband-wife pair, the clothes affected by Indian handiwork are rare. “I think there is a mystery about it. Indians have seen a lot of Kanjivaram and Banaras clothes, but are rare,” says David.
Bukhara will be displayed from 11 am to 7.30 pm from 8 to 11 April to Foli, Amethyst.
Published – 02 April, 2025 05:21 pm IST
