'Central Asian Textiles: meaning and tradition'

Markus Voigt is an independent researcher in the carpet world and a well-respected dealer in the trade.

He will talk about his recent work featured in the new book 'Central Asian Textiles - the Neville Kingston Collection' where Markus makes a study of textile references and illustrations in contemporaneous literature to see if we can further understand the meaning and uses of these vibrant, exotic textiles. 

Essential to the lives of both nomadic and settled peoples, these textiles and carpets played important roles in their lives. Generally unfrequented by western European travellers in the 19th century, these lands caught the imagination of visiting diplomats, adventurers and spies. Although they were not experts nor were textiles the focus of their travels, they often felt compelled to reference customs and rituals relating to these stunning textiles in their accounts as they were clearly a central part of the lives of the people they saw around them - both the elite and the ordinary folk. 

Markus’ talk will explore the techniques, structures and function of these textiles. Members will be able to examine some of the pieces featured in the talk and see how they were used. 

A regular contributor to Hali magazine, Markus has previously talked to ORTS on the subjects of Tibetan rugs and suzanis. He is also co-author, with Christian Erber and Penny Oakley, of the major new book 'Suzani: Art of the Silk Road', recently published.