Coat c. 19th century

This anonymous coat is likely from Central Asia and made of silk using a special technique called ikat. Ikat isn't just about weaving; it's about dyeing the threads before they're even put on the loom. Imagine painting a pattern onto the threads themselves! This requires incredible precision and skill. The blurry edges of the pattern are characteristic of ikat, a result of the dye bleeding slightly during the process. The colors, rich indigos, reds, and yellows, come from natural dyes, each with its own story and origin. Such garments were not merely clothing; they were status symbols, indicative of wealth and cultural identity. The labor-intensive process of ikat weaving meant that these coats were valuable commodities, linking the wearer to a tradition of skilled craftsmanship and cultural heritage. By valuing the work that goes into the making, we recognize its broader social significance, blurring the lines between fashion, craft, and cultural expression.