An important early 19th century Uzbek ikat panel. The warp consists of fine silk while the weft is of cotton, as is typical of the rarest and earliest ikat panels and robes(chapans). The dyes � nine distinct colours � are intense and crisp. Obviously this ikat has fortunately avoided much exposure to light over the past two hundred years, therefore having escaped the colour fading common in so many ikats of this age. The panel is composed of four main strips and few smaller ones , the largest and most complete measures 48.5" x 15.5". It is lined on the backside with a Russian block-print cotton adjacent to small section of very old ikat (see detail images). During the early 19th century ikat was created in strips about 5 to 7 meters long and 15� wide. These long strips were then either cut up to create ceremonial robes called �chapans�, or directly to a ceremonial panel named �pardah�. It is not known whether this panel began it's life as part of a chapan or a pardah, only that it was modified in the late 19th century or 20th century to create a pardah panel. The fact is the front ikat is typical of the early 19th century, while the backside block-printed and ikat lining dates from the third quarter of the 19th century. Also, the stitching that joins the front and back fabrics appears to be of late 19th century or 20th century vintage. In any case, the textile is rare and stunning. Very good condition, with tiny faults and silk slits commensurate with age. 48� x 43� .