This stunning contemporary suzani was purchased from a family at the Urgut market outside of Samarkand, Uzbekistan in 2013. It was created to be a bed cover or a wall hanging. Silk thread, produced in the Fergana Valley region from cocoons raised throughout the country, is stitched onto a cotton backing comprised of several panels. Some of the colors derive from natural sources, some are chemical.

The tradition of needlework in Central Asia known as suzani derives from the Persian word for needle (“suzanikari.”)

This particular piece employs the Bukhara couching stitch rather than the tambour hook method. Suzani pieces are typically created as part of a bride’s dowry and it is said that the prospective bride is stitching her dreams. It was believed that the symbols stitched in to the suzanis had magical powers of protection for newlyweds: pomegranates with their many seeds symbolize fecundity; 'botum' motif (almond or teardrop shaped) signifies abundance and the chili pepper pattern wards off the evil eye. Large circular patterns, typical of the Samarkand & Bukhara region, are thought to represent the sun and moon, a legacy from the Zoroastrian period. Animals, water jugs, flowers and gardens reflect wealth, security and vitality in this largely desert region of the world. Suppressed during the Soviet period, the art of suzani has re-emerged since the collapse of the USSR. However, urban brides of Tashkent seldom make their own suzani and contract with artisans to help create their dowries.

Delivery or pick up available within Sonoma County. Bidders outside of this area are responsible for all shipping and insurance costs.

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