Shahrisabz Suzani

Shahrisabz Suzani
245 x 170 cm (8' x 5' 7")
Uzbekistan, mid 19th century
Condition: good according to age, scattered small abrasions and missing parts, slight signs of use at sides and ends, backed with fabric
Silk on linen

The first thing to observe about this striking suzani is its unusual colouration. Lesser examples of this type can look slightly cold with just dominant red and blue tones. This embroidery lies on the opposite end of the spectrum with golden and camel brown vines intersperses the dominant green circles giving the design a distinct depth.
Before the cotton strips of ground fabric are embroidered they are put together and the design is drawn onto the fabric either by an experienced member of the family or a master draughtsman is employed, which is the most likely scenario in this case.
If one traces the passage of the vines, it is easy to appreciate the fluidity of the designer's hand skilfully sketching the motifs. These elegant designs are attributed to Shakrisabz while the colours of this magnificent example is more typical of Bukara. That the minor borders are drawn in a simpler style compared to other pieces of the group shows the judgment of the draughtsman as otherwise a distinct separation between field and border wouldn't be achieved.
The execution within the single flowers is exemplary and the colours are judged to perfection. In the field we find the classic 'four plus one' design in a more longish form opposed to the more squarish field typical for Shakrisabz embroidery.

Estimate: € 15000 - 20000