Bugzhoma or Bedding Ornament, Uzbekistan

Deep red cloth framed by white and yellow target-like rosettes and black fringe.

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. Up close, a nearly square dark red textile with an L-shaped border of large round embroidered discs in cream and yellow with black and red centers. A small rectangular patch with an oval medallion sits inside the corner. Black fringe hangs unevenly along two sides. It is 31 inches wide.

The rosettes look like they are staring back, politely.