The 19th century ikat silks of Central Asia are unrivaled for their gloriously inventive designs, resplendent colors, and technical mastery. This definitive book is based on 20 years of the authors' fieldwork and research, including their study - and photographic record - of the entire Central Asian ikat collection of Dr. Guido Goldman, whose collection represents the foremost collection of Central Asian ikat hangings and robes. Accompanied by more than 100 illustrations, the text describes the social and historical context in which ikats were produced and the design characteristics of the different types.