Uzbek Suzani Tapestries and Embroidered Textiles
Included in the best antique Uzbek rug collections are Suzani
embroidered textiles originating in Uzbekistan. A few of the oldest
Suzani are thought to have been woven about 150 to 200 years ago, but
historians are certain Suzani tapestries and embroidered textiles
existed centuries before these surviving Suzandozi (needlework) were
discovered. Most scholars and rug enthusiasts divide Suzani textiles
into western and eastern types based on their colors and designs. Since
Uzbekistan textiles were typically made for personal use within the
home, not much is known about their previous history because they simply
do not appear in written logs of merchants traveling the Silk Road.
The oldest surviving Suzani, circa 1780, comes from a time when the
emir of Bukhara encouraged the revival of silk weavings by ordering
citizens to plant hundreds of mulberry trees. He also brought in skilled
silk workers from a western oasis called the Merv. Rug historians think
this may have promoted a renewal of Suzani rug production, which
ultimately gave us the beautiful Suzani rugs found in museums and
Uzbekistan rug collections today.
Learn More About Uzbek Suzani Motifs & Patterns
Suzani motifs emerge from trading among wealthy families living in
Silk Road cities that had access to Persian, Indian and Chinese textiles
and exposure to Western decorative motifs. Hellenic influences had also
moved deep into Central Asia since the days of Alexander, which
explains why some Suzani textiles present stylized vine patterns and
grape scrolls meandering along their borders. Boteh designs, wild
hyacinths and tulips suggest Persian and Turkish influences, while
heavily stylized lotuses and pomegranate blossoms represent Buddhist
symbols existing before the conversion of Uzbekistan and Central Asia to
predominately Islam.
Popular Eastern and Western Suzani Motifs
- Botehs
- Flowers (Wild Hyacinths, Tulips, and Floral Stars)
- The Sun
- The Moon
- Tree of Life
- Pomegranate and Other Fruits
- Leaves and Vines
- Lotus (Buddhist symbol)
- Occasionally Birds and Fish
Suzani may have centralized stars and scatterings of flower sprays or
boteh in muted rust and indigo hues. Referred to as paisley by
Westerners, boteh is an ancient Aryan motif and Persian term meaning
thicket, shrub or bush. In some weavings, the boteh resembles the
yin-yang symbol or possibly the universal tree-of-life motif. Today, the
boteh is found on wool and silk termeh carpets and fabric from Iran and
on woolen scarves made in Kashmir.
Eastern Suzani rugs included in Uzbekistan rug collections offer
patterns more closely associated with nomadic designs of the Uzbeks and
Kyrgyz. These people worshipped the stars, moon and sun in pre-Islamic
Uzbekistan, and their beliefs show in bolder designs incorporating
archaic symbolisms inlaid on round motifs. Rug historians aren’t sure if
this design represents the heavens or fertility symbols from China to
the Mediterranean. However, they do consider these motifs as positive
images of survival, continuity and life that also appear repeatedly on
house walls, embroidery and brickwork of madrasas and mosques domes.
Shop Antique Uzbekistan Rugs & Suzani Textiles From Esmaili’s Rugs and Antiques
If you are interesting in purchasing a rare Suzani embroidered
tapestry or antique Uzbekistan rug, please call us today at
214-651-7847.
