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Suzani (large embroidered hanging or cover)

A work made of silk embroidery on woven cotton foundation.

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  • A work made of silk embroidery on woven cotton foundation.

Date:

19th century

Artist:

Uzbekistan, possibly Bukhara or Nurota

About this artwork

The term suzani comes from the Persian word for needle, but in Central Asia it refers specifically to large, colorful textiles embroidered with silk. Suzani were traditionally used as wall hangings or to wrap bed linens and clothing. Women made them, and they were an essential component of dowries (the wealth a woman brought to her husband upon marriage). The naturalistic depiction of various flowers is a style associated with the town of Nurota.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Textiles

Title

Suzani (large embroidered hanging or cover)

Place

Uzbekistan (Object made in)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Made 1801–1900

Medium

Silk embroidery on woven cotton foundation

Dimensions

252.8 × 177.6 cm (99 1/2 × 69 7/8 in.)

Credit Line

Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection

Reference Number

1937.1273

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

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