Lot 380 AN ANTIQUE TURKMEN YOMUD ASMALYK (CAMEL DECORATION FOR WEDDING CEREMONIES)
Up for auction is an outstanding, museum-quality rarity of Central Asian textile art: An antique Yomud Asmalyk from Turkmenistan, created in the late 19th century (circa 1880). Asmalyks are traditional, five-sided ceremonial trappings crafted in most elaborate handicraft specifically for nomadic wedding ceremonies. They decorated the flanks of the bridal camel in pairs during the festive procession to the new yurt. This present masterpiece features the classic lattice pattern highly sought after by collectors: The inner field is divided into diamond-shaped lozenges artfully filled with serrated Ashik motifs in finely graded natural dyes – including the characteristic deep Yomut brownish-red, indigo blue, and ivory. The field is framed by a delicate running dog/wave border and an elegant, striped end-weave. Particularly noteworthy is the excellent preservation of the original, long decorative tassels along the lower edge, which rarely survive so completely on pieces of this age. The object is in generally good condition with a firm weave and full, vibrant color strength. An excellent showpiece and investment object for discerning collectors of Turkmen tribal art and museum-grade textiles. • Dimensions (Metric): 113 by 66 cm (measured without tassels). • Condition: Good condition (excellently preserved collector's condition).