Sogdian samite with paired cocks in pearl roundels, pure silk, crimson

Product description

Origin & Pattern

This luxurious silk fabric is inspired by an 8th-century textile originating from ancient Central Asia, specifically the former region of Sogdiana.

The fabric is adorned with pearl medallions and paired cocks with prominent beaks and colorful wings. Between the medallions, there are square motifs of geometrically stylized flowers.

This type of pattern, with its well-organized elements of pearled medallions, mirror-symmetrical depictions of animals, and highly stylized flowers, was typical of Sogdiana in ancient Central Asia. Although it was likely adopted from the Sasanian Empire, its exact origin and spread are difficult to trace due to its popularity among nomadic tribes.

Our fabric is inspired by a fragment of the so-called "robe of honor", a magnificent garment that was gifted to show special favor and was made from the most expensive materials.

Fabric

Like brocade, samite is a fabric where the pattern is woven in. The technique has been known since the Middle Ages. Samite uses a twill weave, which makes it very sturdy. Our reproduction is of fine silk wool blend of superior quality, with a thicker silk thread that gives it a slightly pebbly surface. It is supple, with a soft hand, and breathes well.

Application

Reproductions of period fabrics such as this are perfect for sewing historical costumes and also bring something special to modern interiors or contemporary fashions.

Under samite we recommend a lining of a natural material such as silk or fine linen.

Care

We recommend dry cleaning this fabric at a reliable dry cleaner. In our tests how to wash silk this fabric stood up to gentle hand washing. If you risk hand washing, use lukewarm water and a delicate detergent for woolens; do not wring or squeeze dry; block dry on a flat surface. Dry iron on the back on the lowest setting.