Handsome Bukhari robe. Bukhara-Central Asia. 20th century.

A large and wonderful juma richly made by hand from velvet cloth, clear and strong blue color, embroidered with golden decorations of candelabras, plants, and flowers. On the back is the Star of David—a large star. Excellent condition. The origin of the juma is the royal attire of the area, like the Amir of Bukhara, who passed the tradition from generation to generation. The juma is traditionally worn at special occasions such as family simchas. In the past it was worn in festive events as a jacket for any occasion, but today it is only worn for part, mainly for the dancing. The members of the family and the people celebrating the simchah themselves wear it, since there is a belief that wearing it will give the wearer luck for their own simchah. It is used today for weddings, circumcisions, bar mitzvah, and similar.