Lot 39
A SUPERB AND VERY LARGE NURATA SILK-EMBROIDERED LINEN SUZANI
CENTRAL ASIA, UZBEKISTAN, 19TH CENTURY
Auction: 09 December 2026 from 14:00 GMT
Description
of rectangular form composed of five equal-sized panels sewn together, the cream linen ground embroidered in polychrome silk threads, primarily fuchsia, yellow and green, with a large symmetrical central medallion with numerous smaller floral sprays, rosettes and stylised botanical arrangements scattered across the surrounding ground, the inner borders and corners with large cusped areas of floral sprays, the border with a repeat lattice design composed of leafy borders and floral motifs
Dimensions
238cm x 284cm
Footnote
Nurata, an ancient oasis town in Uzbekistan that sits around 100km north of Bukhara, is internationally renowned as one of the most historically significant and stylistically distinct centers for Suzani textile production. Crafted traditionally by women for bridal dowries, Nurata suzanis are celebrated for their delicate, naturalistic elegance and an abundance of unembroidered white background space that lets the needlework breathe, such in the case of this one. The production process begins with a local designer sketching intricate, free-flowing patterns of vines, pomegranates, and birds onto narrow strips of hand-woven cotton or silk fabric. These panels are then separated so multiple family members can concurrently embroider the motifs using vibrant, naturally dyed silk threads and meticulous chain or satin stitches. Once the arduous needlework is complete, the strips are stitched together into a cohesive, breathtaking wall hanging or coverlet, resulting in a masterpiece that beautifully balances delicate pastel artistry with centuries-old Central Asian heritage.