18th century , 258 x 190 cm, Central Asia, Uzbekistan

Collection VOK: Susani 2, 70

This fascinating suzani with a light brown, heavily patinated ground is likely to be one of the oldest embroideries in the collection. The ascending field design consists of huge petrol vines and elongated forked leaves that twine around or in between large circular blossoms. It is drawn in a flamboyant style and full of lively movement. The power and momentum of the composition will captivate any viewer. The border achieves an equally monumental effect; circular blossoms alternating with diagonal crosses, each composed of five smaller flowers, are embedded in a system of rotating vines, serrated leaves and small flowers in diverse shapes and colours. The central border section at the upper end of the field is framed by secondary borders like a panel and thus separated, a fact that is only revealed on closer inspection – an extremely rare phenomenon. The blossoms are embroidered in orange, ochre and pink as well as light blues and greens, creating a very special colour expression. The characteristic red designs dominating most suzanis do not occur in this item. – Various holes in the foundation have been backed with fabric. Signs of age and wear, backed with canvas.

GRUBE, ERNST J., Keshte. The Marshall and Marylyn R. Wolf Collection. New York 2003, no. 16 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, auction A 85, 29th November 2014, # 132

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. 70