Ikat Chapan or Robe / Coat

Purple and saffron blocks, edges softly smudged, as ikat insists.

Artisans of Uzbekistan made this ikat chapan, a robe or coat, in cotton and silk in the early 20th century. Chapans were commonly worn across Central Asia as everyday and ceremonial outer garments, often in patterned, resist-dyed cloth. Large squares of deep purple and golden yellow are divided by pale pink and white bands, and every edge feathers where the threads were dyed before weaving. The garment has long sleeves, an open front and a visible patterned lining at the opening.

About 54 inches by 83 inches across the sleeves. Hang it open and let it do all the talking.