Helga Horner Inc.

Abr-bandi, the central asian name for the ikat technique, derives from the Persian word abr which means "cloud". The ikat style is not limited to Central Asia, but nowhere have the ikat designs known as abr, or the technique itself proved so enduring or so gloriously inventive as in the ancient centers of Uzbek and Tadjik handicrafts- Bukhara, Samrkand and the towns of the Ferghana Valley. The craftsmanship of the abr masters, the abr bandchi, was their patrimony; their secrets and their repertoire of designs were handed down through the generations. Yet this art form has always been responsive to change and receptive to new weaving methods created to simplify the process without sacrifice of artistry. In the nineteenth century abr designs were used to decorate fabrics made into winter and summer...

Three of the Dundas Masterpieces are pictured and described in this Auction Catalog by Christie's, sale on July 3rd, 1997. Sir Lawrence Dundas Scions of the ...