SUZANI

SUZANI- handmade Uzbek embroidery

Suzani is a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. Suzani is from the Persian Suzan which means needle. The art of making such textiles in Iran is called  Suzandozi (needlework).

Suzani usually have a cotton (sometimes silk) fabric base, which is embroidered in silk or cotton thread. Chain, satin, and buttonhole stitches are the primary stitches used. There is also extensive use of couching, in which decorative thread laid on the fabric as a raised line is stitched in place with a second thread. Suzanis are often made in two or more pieces, that are then stitched together.

Popular design motifs include sun and moon disks, flowers (especially tulips, carnations, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (especially pomegranates), and occasional fish and birds.

Suzanis were traditionally made by Central Asian brides as part of their dowry, and were presented to the groom on the wedding day. These hand-embroidered vintage suzanis are infused with the character that only comes from everyday use. Perhaps created by a bride-to-be to show her devotion to her betrothed and then in lean times bartered away to a traveling merchant for money or household necessities pulled from the depths of his donkey cart. The story of each of these suzanis is as rich as their colors and as intricate as the designs that cover their surfaces.

Since ancient times suzanis have been integral parts of the common home interior decoration in the region. They also served as talismans. The largest ones - 2-3 meters in length and about 2 meters in width - were usually hung in homes to mark family festive occasions.

Embroidery, including suzani decoration, is a significant part of Uzbek traditional art. The beauty of Central Asian suzani designs and their ancient symbolism has long been evidence of their makers’ artistry and well-preserved tradition.

Nowadays Suzani is popularly used in interior design, as well as in the decoration of restaurants and hotels.

Suzani is also is used for making soft furniture.

Some famous couturier designers widely using suzani for their exclusive creations.