Man's Coat (Choga)

Unknown

ca. 1803–56 · Wool, metal wrapped thread; double interlocking twill tapestry weave, applied decorative braid · Islamic Art

A meandering vine encloses multicolor ambi, or mangoshaped, motifs on this choga, a loose-fitting, open-fronted robe worn as an outer garment in Central Asia, Russia, North Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. This coat was likely made in Kashmir, as the double-interlocking twill tapestry weave (kanni) used to make it was a specialty of the region. Later, the coat made its way into the wardrobe of Saiyid Sa'id, sultan of Zanzibar and imam of Muscat, Oman (1803–56).

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1803–56

Medium

Wool, metal wrapped thread; double interlocking twill tapestry weave, applied decorative braid

Department

Islamic Art

Credit line

Gift of George L. Cheney, 1924