Large Medallion Suzani Shahrisabs
Uzbekistan first half 19th century
8 ft. 8in. x 5ft. 7in., 264 x 170 cm
Provenance: private collection Israel, Haifa
Lit.: compare similar piece Rippon 16.11.1991, Lot 127 (Catalog, backcover)
Condition: excellent
Silk embroidery on cotton
The large medallion group suzani are the elite of suzani collecting and this is a fine example of the categories defined by Michael Franses in The Great Embroideries of Bukhara (London, 2000).
Although examples of this group are extremely finely embroidered, they all have a funky almost spontaneous appearance. However they are far being unplanned or disorganized as from the narrow and elegant single border through to the multitude of excitingly active curliques, the rhythm of the design is meticulously planned.
Still retaining its original deep and vibrant colours and in very good condition, this is expected to attract a lot of attention from bidders.