Bokhara Suzani, Uzbekistan, Circa 1850, 1.80m x 1.24m

This lovely Bokara suzani dates to around 1850 or a little earlier. Woven in four panels and then sewn togther, the size is quite unusual as it lies somewhere between the usual full-size examples and the so-called smaller 'Nim-Suzanis'. It is a very elegant piece. Ascending palmettes and meandering vines and leaves embroidered in coloured silks are interlaced on an ivory cotton background. The colours are lovely, including a subtle burnt orange, magenta, greens, light blues and yellows. The outlines of the leaves and the meandering vines are drawn in a lovely gold silk in chainstitch technique which gives the composition a light and luxurious appearance. Note the lovely borders with a further range of flowering motifs which complement the field perfectly. It is a delightful piece which would add colour and charisma to your interior. Cherished over the generations, the silk embroidery is almost perfectly intact. The cotton background has had some conservation work, but is generally in very good condition and stable. Professionally cleaned and lined.