ca. 1800, 269 x 201 cm, Central Asia, South West Uzbekistan

This gorgeous Shakhrisyabz suzani features the classic "four-and-one" field design which is drawn in a dynamic style full of movement. The centre of the composition is a large circular blossom surrounded by four diagonal palmettes, blue-green stems and multicoloured acanthus leaves. Two large diagonal blossoms are placed at each end of the field.

In this suzani, the outstanding quality of the colours, the richness of the details and the perfection of drawing are captivating features. Meticulously planned and drawn with precision, the design was conceived by an experienced master and executed flawlessly by the embroiderers. Suzanis exhibiting this degree of perfection in terms of artistic merit and craftsmanship were doubtlessly produced in workshops rather than the cottage industry. The very wide main border provides space for fourteen densely entwined large motifs of two different types that alternate regularly to fully unfold. The viewer never tires of following the twists of the lively vines and spirals, some of which are decorated with light blue and light yellow blossoms.

Very good condition, no fabric backing.

HASSON, RACHEL, Flowering Gardens Along the Silk Road. Embroidered Textiles from Uzbekistan. Jerusalem 2001, pl. p. 32 *** LINDAHL, DAVID & KNORR, THOMAS, Uzbek. Lörrach-Tüllingen 1975, pl. 20 *** GRUBE, ERNST J., Keshte. Central Asian Embroideries. New York 2003, no. 15 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, A 41, 12 November 1994, lot 12; A 48, 22 November 1997, lot 142 *** VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Suzani. Munich 1994, no. 33 = RIPPON BOSWELL, Vok Collection. Suzani. Selection 2. A 88. 12 March 2016, lot 138