Ca. 1825 – 1850, 269 x 214 cm, Central Asia, South West Uzbekistan

VOK Collection: Suzani 2, 71

This large suzani embroidered in the kanda khayol surface stitch is a captivating piece with an almost explosive design and an enormous variety of intense brilliant colours. The dense field design of colourful flowers and petrol stems is divided into three offset vertical rows continuously repeating the same design units. The sweeping shapes of the motifs protrude into the gaps between the motifs of the next row, creating a sophisticated web of relationships. Each design unit consists of a diamond with indented sides enclosing a large star-shaped top-view blossom; its four tips bear fan-shaped palmettes, and the sides are decorated with four stems ending in large serrated lancet leaves. In the main border, large top-view and side-view blossoms are linked and surrounded by striking, elongated thin vines. It contains the same serrated leaves, albeit drawn to a larger scale. Although the suzani displays obvious similarities with Shakhrisyabz embroideries, it does not appear to immediately belong in this group. The wild style of drawing and expressive colours is palpably different from the disciplined and calm appearance of most Shakhrisyabz pieces. The small light blue pearls and petrol blossoms lined up in a chain along the secondary borders may offer a clue to its provenance. They also appear in the suzani Vok 38. – Slight signs of age and wear, good overall condition. Mounted onto canvas.

DODDS, DENNIS & EILAND, MURRAY L.,JR. (Hrsg.), Oriental Rugs From Atlantic Collections. Philadelphia 1996, Nr. 259 *** CHRISTIE'S South Kensington, Auktion 13. Oktober 2004, Lot 212

NAGEL Stuttgart, Auktion 15. Mai 2001, Lot 1670 *** VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Suzani 2. Eine textile Kunst aus Zentralasien. (Text: Jacob Taube). München 2006, Nr. 71