Bugzhoma or Bedding Ornament, Uzbekistan

Dark green-black cloth with a cluster of plum, orange, and red blooms.

This bugzhoma, or bedding ornament is from Uzbekistan, and dates to the 20th century. It is embroidered cotton. Central Asian embroidery is usually worked in stitches that cover the ground cloth, creating dense surfaces that vary by region and by the hand of the maker. Side on, a nearly square textile in a deep, greenish black with a rounded top corner. A border of embroidered discs in orange, red, and purple runs along two sides. A branching bouquet in rose and violet fills the inner corner. Pale pink fringe hangs below. It is 37 inches wide.

Dark and moody, with flowers that refuse to be quiet.