Bold designs, intense colours and striking abstract forms characterise the amazing textiles on display at this exhibition at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum. Featuring suzani embroideries and ikat fabrics unique to 19th century Central Asia, the exhibition captures the intense creativity that evolved in the Bukhara region during this period.
Despite Uzbekistan’s geographic proximity to India and the strong Indian influences in its textiles, these beautiful pieces remain relatively unknown to Indian audiences. The collection, assembled by David and Mandeep Housego over the years, showcases approximately 50 pieces that reflect the rich legacy of the Silk Route— drawing on motifs from Mughal India, Persia, China, and the Ottoman Empire in Turkey,
The suzani hangings (unique embroideries generally of silk thread on a cotton base), and sophisticated ikat chapans (cloaks) worn by the wealthy feature striking blues, reds, and yellows in natural dyes. Many pieces display bouquets of flowers, irises, pomegranates, and poppies set amid intertwining stems that capture the beauty of a garden in a desert oasis. They also draw on ancient traditions of jewellery, ceramics, and tiles.
David, Chairman, Shades of India says: “There was an extraordinary cultural flowering in Central Asia in the 19th century of which textiles were the major element. We are delighted to bring this exhibition to Ahmedabad. It represents many years of collecting – beginning in Iran and Afghanistan when I was a journalist in that region. The beauty of suzani, ikats and the rugs of the region– has remained a passion.”
Mrs. Jayshree Lalbhai ,Trustee, Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum says,“we are delighted to present this truly unique exhibition of Bukhara textiles at the museum. Ahmedabad will have the opportunity, for the very first time, to witness such a rich and exquisite collection. I would urge everyone to visit, as the exhibition will be here only for a limited time. One should not miss the chance to experience something so spectacular when it comes to town.”
This exhibition – an eye-opener for textile enthusiasts not familiar with this legacy – will be held at the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Museum from 9th– 30th November, 2025; 10am-5pm. Interested people can call up +91 91040 60850 for queries.
It must be noted that the Kasturbhai Lalbhai Musuem is house in a colonial 1905 building in Shahibaug area of Ahmedabad. The Museum seeks to balance art historical merit with personal favourites, while retaining the essence of the family home. The paintings on view are from a range of traditions and styles, with paintings from the Persian, Mughal, Deccan, Pahari and Rajasthani schools, Tibetan Thangkas, Company School portraits, modernist paintings from the Bengal School, and painted postcards from pre-independent India.
Art in stone, metal, wood and Bidri covers a span of more than a thousand years. In the adjacent building, the Claude Batley house, built in the 1930s, space has been created to house temporary exhibitions, retrospectives of artists and display of works by young artists. Leaving the beauty of the older building untouched and unmarred, a glass gallery, unique and distinctive has been added to create extra display space. The complex also has a small amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 250 that can host small performances, musical soirees, talks and discourses.
Also Read: Payal Rathawa: The Adivasi As A Transgender And An Artist https://www.vibesofindia.com/payal-rathawa-the-adivasi-as-a-transgender-and-an-artist/
