Bokhara Suzani
Uzbekistan
circa 1850
Size: 248 x 172 cm
Suzani, a term which is derived from the Persian word for needle, describes a type embroidered panel made in Central Asia. Suzani were traditionally embroidered (usually silk on cotton) by the women of the bride’s family. The bride herself would over several years have completed a ‘suite’ of embroideries. As well as for household usage this magnificent textile also served a ceremonial role in marriage.
Inspiration for design came from nature and particularly from plants and flowers.
Here the field features large and small flower discs alternating with quatrefoil palmettes arranged within a lattice of sprouting stems and leaves.
Provenance: A Portuguese estate, Lisbon.
