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/