First half 19th century , 260 x 172 cm, Central Asia, Uzbekistan

Collection VOK: Susani 13

Although the wide border and dense design of this suzani display a certain affinity to Bokhara and Shakhrisyabz embroideries, the style of drawing and deviations in colour scheme seem to suggest that it belongs to the Kermina group. Drawn with great precision, the dense design is set off strikingly by the beige ground. The large blossoms in red, orange, salmon, a pale aubergine and light blue show the characteristic metallic sheen of Kermina embroideries, an effect partially achieved by the technique employed, whereby the surface is hermetically covered in fine chain stitch. The field design consists of two diamonds perfectly sized to fit the space, each enclosing a cruciform four-and-one medallion composed of a central circular blossom and four fan-shaped blossoms. The twelve circular blossoms of the border are ringed by green vines bearing ivy-like leaves and interspersed with diagonal twigs bearing larger flat leaves. – Good condition, backed with canvas.

VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Suzani. A Textile Art from Central Asia. (Text by Jakob Taube) Munich 1994, no. 13