Artwork Page for Wall Hanging

Details / Information for Wall Hanging

Wall Hanging

1850–1899

Uzbekistan, Bukhara or Shahr-i Sabz, 19th century

Medium
Silk, cotton; plain weave, embroidery, tambour chain stitch
Measurements
Average: 248.5 x 161.3 cm (97 13/16 x 63 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Bequest of James Parmelee 1940.602
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Description

Embroideries known as suzani, after the Persian and Tajik word for needle (suzan), feature bold floral and foliate motifs enriched with several shades of red and crimson silk thread. This example suggests a lush garden enriched with single flowering plants alternating with a bird’s-eye view of blossoms in a foliate diamond trellis. Either a skilled family member or a professional drew the pattern in black ink (still visible) on five loosely joined cotton cloths; female family members disassembled them for stitching and reassembled them upon completion. Suzanis were made in many towns, generally with distinctive artistic and technical characteristics.
A vertically long suzani, an embroidered silk and cotton textile, features a cream field densely patterned with repeating rows of small red, orange, and tan flowers on winding green stems. A wide border encloses the center, showcasing large, circular red and orange floral medallions linked by a dark green leafy vine. Small blue accents highlight the center of many flowers, and thin floral bands outline the entire rectangular composition.

Wall Hanging

1850–1899

Uzbekistan, Bukhara or Shahr-i Sabz, 19th century

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