Unknown Maker, Moroccan

Most of the garment forms in this gallery follow a general Islamic style but defer in detail to local practices and aesthetics. A comparison of the shimmering Moroccan kaftan and Indian chogha in this case, on the other hand, shows remarkable continuity in form, technique, imagery, and color. Exemplified by these two garments, a well-defined trade network-united by mutual faith and aligned with centers of luxurious textile production created by Silk Road traffic-enabled an unbroken stream of influence from North Africa to India. The meandering floral vegetation, opulent gold and silk brocade, and dazzling white-and-gold color combination strike a common chord at two of the farthest reaches of the Muslim world.