second half 19th century, 221 x 143 cm, Central Asia, South West Uzbekistan

The two embroidery centres, Bokhara and Nurata, often used very similar compositions where large diagonal shrubs were placed in the corners of the field. The suzanis made in Nurata almost always show more open designs than the works produced in Bokhara further to the south. Here, a number of flowering plants are spaced widely apart at the centre of the field. The small figure of a water carrier holding two ewers is seen at the left-hand side. The abundantly flowering shrubs placed in the corners are flanked by two curved panicles. In the single-band border, a vine with green leaves twines around blossoms depicted in top view and side view. – Slight signs of age and wear, good condition. The white cotton fabric backing constitutes the original condition.

BAUSBACK, PETER, Susani. Stickereien aus Mittelasien. Mannheim 1981, ill. p. 29