id library: Silk & Gold: The Magnificent Art of Costume by Yaffa Assouline with images by Laziz Hamani
The book showcases presents the extravagance of the royal courts of the emirs of Bukhara in nineteenth-century Uzbekistan
The land of Uzbekistan has always been renowned for the magnificent craftsmanship of its textile-makers. Since ancient times, when prosperous trade routes put the region in the center of the known world, the opulent fabrics originating here have been the stuff of legend.
Silk & Gold: The Magnificent Art of Costume by Yaffa Assouline with images by Laziz Hamani
Silk & Gold: The Magnificent Art of Costume presents the extravagance of the royal courts of the emirs of Bukhara in nineteenth-century Uzbekistan, when gold, silk and velvet costumes reached their apogee of craftsmanship. Official ceremonial chapans, “jewel coats” entirely embroidered in gold, were part of a stunning display of power and splendor, as were suzani wall hangings, ikat silk and spectacular jewelry pieces – all replete with profound symbolism and time-tested techniques passed from generation to generation. Created by Yaffa Assouline with images by Laziz Hamani, Silk & Gold: The Magnificent Art of Costume is an intimate invitation to discover the masterpieces of unknown masters – examples of high art – that are sought after by museums and private collectors worldwide. They tell us about the diversity of patterns and techniques, the multiplicity of influences from contacts along the Great Silk Road and the constant creative exchange between artisans and the world of trade.
Gold-embroidered zardoz parcha chapan, Bukhara, 18th to 19th centuries, collection of the State Museum of Temurids History, Tashkent. Image courtesy to Laziz Hamani
Yaffa Assouline has worked as a journalist, consultant and creative art director. She specializes in innovative and made-to-measure publishing. She is the author of the books Uzbekistan: The Road to Samarkand; Uzbekistan: Avant-Garde Orientalists; Uzbekistan: Russian Avant-Garde; and Uzbekistan Living Treasures: Celebration of Craftsmanship, all by Assouline.
All images courtesy to Assouline.
Silk & Gold: The Magnificent Art of Costume by Yaffa Assouline with images by Laziz Hamani
The Latest
The Quiet Art of Project Management
In Dubai’s ever-evolving real estate landscape, this approach has earned Vedra a reputation for integrity and attention to detail
Award-Winning Residences in Dubai: When Vision Meets Flawless Delivery
Designsmith is bringing two award-winning residences to life by ISTO
OFIS Brings the Iconic HÅG Capisco Chair to the UAE
In an exclusive collaboration with Flokk, the brand continues to raise the bar for healthy and sustainable workplace design
An Avant Garde Residence
The V Penthouse by Badie Architects is a bold exploration of materiality and spatial harmony
Kohler Celebrated Transformative Designs at INDEX Saudi Arabia 2025
Transformative design experiences were highlighted through curated collections from Kohler, KALLISTA, and Kohler x Studio McGee along with panel discussions on wellness, design, and sustainability.
Serenity and Soul
Blending Aman’s signature serenity with the cultural soul of Saudi Arabia, Amansamar emerges as a bold new destination for design-led living and hospitality
Quiet Luxury
The Bernhardt brand brings understated elegance and enduring craftsmanship through Interiors in the UAE
Transform Your Living Space
Renowned designer Antonio Citterio introduces a new paradigm in contemporary seating through the Loungescape sofa
Inside Hobb
We speak with the founder of Hobb, Haifa Malhas, about building a bookstore and a community centred around love for design
Revealed: The venue and date for the identity Design Awards 2025
Save the date for the much awaited gala night.
Conscious design, textural sophistication, and seasonal comfort: What Crate & Barrel and CB2 bring to the GCC with New Stores and Collection
With fresh openings in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Crate & Barrel and CB2 unveil Fall/Winter collections that blends tactile design, sustainability, and exclusive collaborations, bringing global style closer to regional homes.
Surface Appeal
Global surfaces leader Cosentino launches four new quartzite options in the Sensa range