Buchara Suzani

Suzanis, the large embroideries of Central Asia are strikingly decorative yet utilitarian. They fulfil multiple purposes for nomadic people, created to be used in tents as hangings, prayer mats, bed covers, sheets or covers for beddings and kitchen equipment.

They are made by the bride and other females of her family and presented to the groom as part of the dowry. Their design is drawn on cotton or silk strips (six of them here) and each embroiderer works on one strip. When they are stitched together, they result in an off register and variety of hues, all adding to their irreverent beauty.

Most suzanis were made in Uzbekistan and can be categorized by their design to different cities. Buchara suzanis usually feature vines of serrated leaves and lattices of red hued rosettes, just like this fine example. In the borders here the rosettes alternate with central smaller rosettes from which four more flowers emerge.

Suzanis are essentially power objects, offering protection and strength. Their tribal motifs symbolize luck, health, long life and fertility.