Country of Origin: Uzbekistan
Date of Origin:
19th century
Use: cover/wall
hanging
JBOC comments: One thing that
struck me about this piece is the closer you get
the better it looks. What beautiful stitching.
Catalogue Description:
Uzbek Suzani, Tashkent(?) Region,
19th century, 7'4" x7'10", $1700
This large, colorful embroidery
was made as a dowry item in the 2nd half of the
19th century in Uzbekistan. Michael Franses
recently had an online exhibition of such
embroideries, and I will quote him. “The
town of Pskent is a short distance south-east of
Tashkent, on the road to Khojent and the city of
Kokand, and the suzanis attributed to it are
distinctive. They appear more colourful than
those from Tashkent. .......... Stylistically,
Pskent suzanis are quite different from those
made in Tashkent and have specific border
patterns not found on the latter. Suzanis from
Pskent rarely leave any background showing.
Pskent designs have also been associated with
signs of the Zodiac and other astrological
symbols, perhaps more convincingly so than those
from Tashkent. Their border decoration appears to
have a narrower repertoire of variations than do
the numerous interpretations of very much the
same theme when used as field patterns.” The
fact that his example has no unembroidered areas
suggests the attribution offered by Mr. Franses,
though such embroideries are commonly referred to
in the Istanbul marketplace as well as in the US
as “Tashkent” suzanis (embroideries).
These embroideries are very collectible and
essentially undervalued in today’s
marketplace. They represent a good investment in
terms of potential value as well exceptionally
well priced for what they are, a thoroughly
wonderful and very colorful example of the
material culture of Central Asia from a bygone
era.
COLORS All natural dyes
CONDITION- Excellent with no obvious flaws, some
corrosion of the bright red woolen embroidery
used as highlights, a typical embellishment used
during this period by the Uzbek women. This is an
antique textile, therefore it cannot be expected
that it will be in “new condition”. The
terms used for describing condition are
consistent with common usage in the marketplaces
all over the world. Obvious flaws including
repair, holes and stains WILL BE noted in all
descriptions.
Seen on www.tribalsource.net/
|
