Afghan Pillowcase & Swat Valley Silk Embroidery Textile (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 187A)

$321.25

Central Asia, Afghanistan & Pakistan, Swat Valley, ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A pair of colorful embroidered textiles consisting of one elongated pillow case and one square tapestry panel. The pillow case is worked on dark gray cotton and densely embroidered with vivid pink silk thread arranged in stepped geometric and repeating motifs, the outer edge finished with orange yarn trim and bright pink tassels at each corner, one end left open to accommodate a long, narrow pillow suitable for use as a couch or bench accent. The accompanying square textile is executed on black cotton and features highly saturated pink and multicolored silk embroidery with angular geometric forms and a central diamond composition, the silk threads retaining a subtle sheen. Three edges of the panel remain raw and unfinished, suggesting it was originally part of a cushion or larger furnishing. Size of tapestry: 32″ L x 31″ W (81.3 cm x 78.7 cm)

Provenance: private Valley Glen, California, USA collection

Condition: Good. Some pulling to threads and minor fraying, but both are stable and intact. The larger tapestry has 3 raw unhemmed edges.