Bukhara

Bold designs, intense colours and striking abstract forms characterise the amazing textiles on display

at this exhibition at The Folly, Amethyst, Chennai. Featuring suzani embroideries and ikat fabrics unique to 19th century Central Asia, the exhibition captures the intense creativity that evolved in the Bukhara region during this period.

Despite Uzbekistan's geographic proximity to India and the strong Indian influences in its textiles, these beautiful pieces remain relatively unknown to Indian audiences. The collection, assembled by David and Mandeep Housego over the years, showcases approximately 26 pieces that reflect the rich legacy of the Silk Route— drawing on motifs from Mughal India, China and the Ottoman Empire in Turkey.

David Housego, Founder and Chairman of Shades of India, combines his background as a former journalist with his expertise as a dedicated textile collector and craft connoisseur. His remarkable eye for exceptional textiles has guided the acquisition of many rare pieces in this exhibition. Housego's extensive travels throughout Central Asia have fuelled his passion for these historically significant textiles, each representing a unique chapter in the region's cultural renaissance.

Mandeep Nagi, Design Director, brings a lifelong passion for textiles to this exhibition. Having grown up surrounded by fabrics and later trained as a textile designer at NIFT, Nagi has developed an acclaimed aesthetic that masterfully blends diverse craft traditions and techniques. Her deep appreciation for Central Asian textiles is evident in the carefully curated pieces, many of which have influenced her own distinctive design language.

Together, they have assembled this collection through years of dedicated research and a shared commitment to preserving and showcasing these extraordinary textile traditions.