1504 Antique Blue Bukhara Suzani

Central Asian Bukhara Suzani, 19th C. Silk embroidery on a cotton foundation.

With colorful floral blooms overall surrounded by leafy vegetation, on a blue ground.

Backed with a printed cloth that also has velcro affixed for display.

Size: 40.5” x 57” (103 x 145 cm).

Has repairs and the condition is not perfect.

Amazing presence.

Rare & collectible

 

 

 

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From the description of a book devoted to Large Medallion Suzanis “The Great Embroideries of Bukhara”

Suzanis are among the most beautiful objects known from the high period of the art of needlework in the former Central Asian Emirates of Bukhara and Kokand, the areas known today as the Republics of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.

They are known as ‘suzani’, derived from the Farsi word for ‘needle’ and the tradition continued into the early twentieth century. Each embroidery formed part of a suite made by a bride and her family as dowry gifts. It is impossible to say exactly who created these embroideries, because many different tribes lived in the region, but it was probably settled societies rather than nomads. These extraordinary works of art are distinguished by their huge central medallions, which provide an explosion of colour and form. Many of them are amongst the largest suzani extant, and the effect that they create is of an extremely powerful and graphic artistic image.

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This item has spent a lifetime being used for the purpose of its creation with the original artist/user. Signs of this life lived heartily may be present on the piece in the form of stains, thread loss, loose threads, holes, tears, color run and other imperfections. Therefore the condition must be assumed to be “not” perfect. More photos of such imperfections will be provided on request.

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