Object Description
Antique hand-made silk suzani textile, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, Late 19th Century
Height 216cm, width 166cm
This silk suzani was hand-made and hand embroidered in the late 19th century, in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
Embroidered with numerous variously sized vibrant red medallions, the suzani features a typical design attributed to the Tashkent region. The bold red circles are intertwined with other, elegant patterns. These are coloured in shades of yellow, blue, black, red and cream. The motifs are nature inspired.
This type of textile originates from nomadic tribes in Central Asian countries. Usually made by groups of women, each person would be responsible for the creation of a part of the suzani. Once all were complete, they would be stitched together, consequently, it is a common feature that the patterns do not line up perfectly. Suzanis also formed a crucial part of Central Asian wedding celebrations as they were a part of the bride’s dowry and would be made by the bride and her mother.
Carrying important symbolism and historic meaning as well as featuring an eye-catching design, this antique suzani would make an outstanding addition to one’s interior, for example, as a wall hanging.