Coat c. 19th century

This anonymous 19th-century coat, currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, showcases the intricate art of ikat. Ikat is a resist-dyeing technique that creates complex patterns by tying off sections of yarn before dyeing, resulting in a blurred and captivating design. This particular coat boasts a vibrant color scheme, incorporating bold shades of purple, yellow, red and white, creating a visually striking garment. The geometric diamond patterns woven into the fabric are characteristic of traditional ikat textiles, suggesting a possible origin in Central Asia or the Middle East.