Hanging
| Type: | For Windows, Doors and Walls |
|---|---|
| Object Name: | Hanging |
| Local Name: | suzani |
| Place Made: | Asia: Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Nurata |
| People: | Tajik |
| Period: | Mid 19th century |
| Date: | 1860s |
| Dimensions: | L224 cm x W 152 cm |
| Materials: | Cotton; silk |
| Techniques: | Plain woven; embroidered; hand-sewn |
| ID Number: | T88.0282 |
| Credit: | Gift of Fred Braida |
In Uzbekistan, embroidered wall hangings were produced by settled populations in towns and villages of the region, and used as house and yard decorations during weddings and festivals. Suzanis were an important part of a woman’s dowry. Plain, hand-woven off-white cotton was used as a ground material, while embroidered patterns were stitched using multicoloured silks. The majority of Uzbek suzanis are composed of astral symbols and floral designs with scrolling vines, leafy branches and blooming flowers. Embroidered clusters of tulips, carnations, lilies and other flowers are inspired by the flowerbeds and blooming pomegranate trees grown in courtyards where families rested during the daytime heat.
