Sun Bow Trading Company

02/25/2026

Announcing the publication of Koran Bags Protection and Concealment: The Saul Barodofsky Collection.

Co-authored by Saul Barodofsky and Michael Hladky, this is the first book dedicated exclusively to the study and documentation of Koran bags. It features a curated look at the Saul Barodofsky collection, showcasing 150 full-page color photographs.

Subject Matter & Details:

Focus: Historical and ethnographic study of protective textile bags used for the concealment of the Koran.

Origins: Features pieces from the 18th to the mid-20th century, originating from Anatolia, the Caucasus, Iran, and Central Asia.

Visual Documentation: High-resolution photography of diverse weaving and embroidery techniques used for these sacred objects.

Format: Hardcover (ASIN: B0FDFVF8JB).

Order here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Koran-Bags-Protection-Concealment-Barodofsky/dp/B0FDFVF8JB/

This volume joins our previous work on Nazarlik amulets in exploring the protective visual language of these cultures.

02/25/2026

Announcing the publication of Nazarlik: Textile, Color, Pattern, Language, Ornamentation and Other Distractions To Ward Off the Evil Eye and Bring Prosperity and Good Fortune: An Introduction.

Co-authored by Saul Barodofsky and Michael Hladky, this 171-page hardcover volume explores the 5,000-year history of charms and talismans used to ward off the "evil eye," specifically within the weavings of Turkey and the Silk Road.

What experts are saying:

"Such a fascinating book! The material is captivating and contributes much to the visual language of these cultures."
— Dennis Dodd, Secretary General, I.C.O.C.

"An intensely visual introduction... covering a huge range of nazarlik styles, types, and regions."
— Dr. Adam Geiser, Middle East Center, Florida State University.

Subject Matter & Details:

Focus: Ethnographic study of Anatolian and Central Asian protective amulets (Nazarlik).

Visuals: Over 200 high-resolution color photographs documenting regional styles.

Experience: Based on over 50 years of collective research in the field.

Format: Hardcover (ASIN: B0F628932Z).
Order here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nazarlik-Ornamentation-Distractions-Prosperity-Introduction/dp/B0F628932Z/

08/16/2025

Aside from our latest entry into the Sun Bow Publishing Library, with more in preparation, we will soon be offering a major private collection of tribal textiles.
Stay tuned.

08/08/2025

Important announcement

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07/05/2025

Three books on Amazon and more en route:
Outfitting Caravans - a history of Sun Bow Trading. Company
Nazarlik - Apotropaic devices to bring good fortune and avert the evil eye, with over 200 color photos mostly full page.
Koran Bags - over 100 full page color photos - mostly Central Anatolia, but also Caucasian, Turkoman, and a few more.
And forth coming - Veils, a Hladky collection.
Under discussion:
Kurdish kilims from SE Anatolia,
a Cronin collection.
Animal decorations, a Barodofsky collection.
All should be available on Amazon.
All are hardback and mostly $50.00 each or less.
Enjoy

04/23/2025

Our latest effort is now live on Amazon.
“Nazarlik”
a study of Apotropaic devices along the Silk Road.
By Saul Barodofsky & Michael Hladky
Over 100 glorious photos, divided into categories, ranging from Pre Islamic to Nazarlik in the kitchen.
Hardback for $45.00.
A true bargain.
Should be available by listing our names.
Enjoy.
Saul,
who is ecstatic to be retired
at 86.

02/13/2025

It’s been 10 years
since my retirement.
Happiness abounds.
Love doing nothing.

01/21/2024

To all those Great Hearts who sent me Birthday wishes - Thank you.

In truth, as a child of the 60’s, I never expected to live so long, so healthy, and so abundantly surrounded with friendship and love.
And, of course, I must mention my Ananda. ❤️‍🔥❣️❤️‍🔥
Blessings abound.

Now off to the Nicholas Roerich Museum, and then a Thai duck feast.
Wow!
Thankfulness abounding.

08/06/2023

The Book of Sun Bow is in print.
Amazon publishing.
280 pages of travel, rugs and people, gossip, lore, exhibitions and lectures (both gallery and museum), articles by us and about us, hundreds of photographs.
A 40 year journey in hardcover.
From Konya to Kashgar.
We’re passing it on at cost $32.94.
If you’re on Prime, there’s free shipping too.
“Outfitting Caravans from Downtown Charlottesville 1978 - 2018”
Enjoy and pass the word.

“From Konya to Kashgar” The Sun Bow Trading Company 1978-2018 A 40 year documentary history of the ground breaking textile art gallery in Charlottesville, Virginia: Articles about Sun Bow Trading written by Saul Barodofsky, one of the gallery's founders and owner, his travel journals along the S...

04/26/2023

Am honored to be showing our yurt textiles, embroideries, decorated felts and reed screens plus a few surprises this coming June 10th (Saturday morning) at the Textile Museum in Washington DC.
Our first outing since Covid, and also their first in person gathering.
Pass the word, and see you there.

(Yurt door from Kazak yurt, Ugherstan)

06/11/2021

Seems we are still involved

June 17 - July 31, 2021

05/19/2020

SunBow is closed for good.
Thanks for the fantastic run:
From Konya to Kashgar
1978 to 2018.
Our website remains as a testimony to all of your assistance in helping us create a life of wonder and service.
Happy Trails.