First half 19th century, 231 x 148 cm, Central Asia, Uzbekistan

Collection VOK: Suzani 2, 61

The brownish ground, extremely fine embroidery in prevailing shades of orange and pink with gold details, the flowers in a brilliant cornflower blue, the style of drawing of the green vines and the serene and balanced composition are characteristic features of suzanis from the town of Kermina. Offset rows of circular flowers in various shapes and sizes constitute the field design. One of the flowers is decorated with curved points, appearing to rotate like the blade of a circular saw. A diamond lattice composed of lively green vines provides the basic layout of the composition. The large circular and star-shaped blossoms seen in the main border are encircled by vines with ivy-shaped leaves. Since the vines are not linked to form a continuous design band, the border appears more static than those of comparable Kermina suzanis. In the secondary borders, the minutely detailed and meticulous execution of the floral vines is striking. – Good condition, backed with a fabric on the reverse.

VOK, IGNAZIO, Suzani 2. A Textile Art from Central Asia. Second part of the collection, catalogue nos. 49 – 79. (Text by Jakob Taube) Munich 2006, no. 61