Rectangular Hanging or Cover (suzani)

Large geometric floral rosettes in red against a lattice of green leaves with tiny red and yellow rosettes dominate this textile. The border is enclosed by strips of alternating blue and gray flowers on a brown arabesque scroll between thin red lines. This "suzani" textile was most likely made in Bukhara or Shahrisabz, located in present-day Uzbekistan. The term suzani derives from the Persian word for needle, but in Central Asia it specifically refers to large, spectacularly colorful textiles embroidered in silk. These textiles were traditionally used as wall hangings or as covers to wrap bedding and clothing. Produced by women, they were an integral component of a wedding dowry. Suzani consist of several widths of narrow cloth attached to a base. The artist would have laid out the base fabric and drawn the design on top. Widths of cloth were then embroidered separately before being assembled.