Antique hand-embroidered suzani, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

This beautiful cotton suzani was hand-made in 19th century Uzbekistan.

Adorned with vibrantly coloured red flowers among green vines and leaves, as well as other yellow, blue, and red patterns, the suzani formed an important object within a yurt. Different regions had their own designs, and the Bukhara textiles are famous for the red flowers.

Suzanis are large, embroidered textile panels originating from nomadic tribes in Central European countries such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan. They were made to be used within a yurt as a protective cover for belongings and other textiles.

Their creation and designs carry symbolic meaning as traditionally they formed part of a dowry and were made by the bride and her mother.  Ment to bring good fortune to the bride’s and groom’s families, they were gifted on the wedding day.

Traditionally, suzanis would be made in multiple parts, allowing many people to work on its creation. Signs of such collaborative work are visible on the join marks, for example when the patterns vary. The creation process started with a pattern being drawn onto the textile, marks which can still be seen on the surface of the suzani in Mayfair Gallery’s collection. Natural dyes were used to colour individual parts of the piece, making its surface filled with various tones and shades.

Handmade and filled with important historical meanings, this Bukhara suzani is an exquisite functional or decorative piece that can be used as a wall hanging.