Suzani Tashkent Embroidery

Suzanis are dowery embroidered pieces that are formed by several panels that are embroidered by the female members of the bride’s family and then are stitched together lengthwise to form large panels that can be used as bedcovers, wallhanging or any other domestic purpose.

This piece could either be a fragment from a full suzani, or a sampler for the embroiderer to practice or show off their skills. The latter is more likely since the shorter ends are selvedge, and none of the embroidery stitches are cut off – they are all complete if they are not worn away.

Three large, densely embroidered, round shapes are the main focus of this piece. Drawn but not yet embroidered florals fill in the ground around them. On the top and bottom are two borders – the top being more simple with alternating flowers and ovals. The bottom border is intricately embroidered vines creating diamond shapes surrounding flowers. The entire piece is made up of two panels of cotton – and they were pieced together before being embroidered. You can see this in image #3.