Suzani
- Culture
- Central Asian
- Date
- 19th century
- Material
- Silk embroidery on linen
- made in
- Uzbekistan, Asia
- Classification
- Coverings & hangings, textiles
- Collection
- Islamic Art
- Current Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 108 1/2 x 68 1/2 in. (275.6 x 174 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ring
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 19:1967
NOTES
Suzani are large embroidered cloths that were used to drape nuptial chambers and as covers for the bride's bed. These and other embroideries formed an important component of the wedding dowry. Such cloths not only showed the embroidery skills of the bride but also indicated the wealth of her family.
Special master craftswomen would usually draw the design freehand. If the bride and her mother could not produce the pieces in time, other relatives would assist. In this suzani, two strips of fabric were embroidered before being pieced with the third one, resulting in the pattern being slightly misaligned.
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