Description

Kermina Suzani

Collection VOK: Suzani 7
In this half-size nim suzani (the Persian word "nim" translates as "half"), the spacious composition of only a few large-scale designs is striking. The style of the vines and the colours employed suggest that it was made in Kermina, a small town situated east of Bokhara along one of the transit routes traversing southern Uzbekistan. In the main border, eight circular poppy blossoms are linked by an elongated vine. The delicate vine of the outer border is decorated with blue flowers. The most spectacular feature is the large tree-like shape bearing five sweeping, sickle-like branches with curled ends which fills the field. The branches show a motley design reminiscent of a harlequin’s costume. Two thin green vines decorated with blue blossoms grow from the stem of a boteh at the lower end of the field, surrounding the central motif. Interpretation of the latter presents a mystery; the question of whether it is a plant design or a mythological bird in disguise, as proposed by Herrmann in his description of a comparative example, must remain unanswered for the time being. – Good condition, backed with canvas.

Origin:
Central Asia, Uzbekistan

Dimensions:
160 x 118 cm

Age:
First half 19th century

Estimate:
18,000.00 - 23,000.00 €

Literature:
HERRMANN, EBERHART, Asiatische Teppich- und Textilkunst 4. Munich 1992, no. 104

Published:
VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Suzani. A Textile Art from Central Asia. (Text by Jakob Taube) Munich 1994, no. 7