Suzani

Embroidered on navy cloth

From the Persian word for "needle", a suzani is an exquisite, hand-embroidered textile created by artisans in Central Asian cities. Traditionally crafted as part of a bride's dowry, these vibrant textiles feature symbolic floral, astral, and fruit motifs and are widely used today as decorative wall hangings, throws, or bedspreads.

Bolim posh embroidered with stylized floral discs in basma couching. The dynamic designs of disks and florals suggest an influence from ancient Scythian forms.

 

  • Title: Suzani

  • Date: 1976

  • Geography: Uzbekistan

  • Medium: Cotton

  • Dimensions: H. 91 in.  W. 72 in.

  • Provenance: Purchased from the New York Gallery, 2015

  • Inventory Number:  UZ.01