Bukhara stands at the crossroads of the Silk Routes, along which my father, David Housego, has pursued a passion for more than fifty years – seeking out exceptional antique textiles. His journey led him from the great bazaars of Iran and the backstreets of Herat to Bukhara and the storied market towns that line the banks of the Oxus. There, David and his wife Mandeep were captivated by 19th-century suzanis, silk ikats and nomadic rugs, their designs born of the richly interwoven cultures of the Silk Roads. Long adorning their floors and walls, or quietly tucked away in cupboards, these lesser-known Central Asian treasures were first revealed at museum exhibits in Delhi, Ahmedabad and Chennai. The resounding enthusiasm that followed ultimately led David and Mandeep to publish this digital catalogue—an invitation to a lifetime’s devotion.

Kim Housego