Description

Lakai Suzani

Despite the small format of this nim suzani, the large-scale design achieves a powerful impact. The pistachio silk ground brings out the full brilliance of the diverse colours. The finely stitched hems and outlines of the motifs, the design sections embroidered in red wool and the characteristic expressive style leave us in no doubt that this suzani is a Lakai piece. It was probably made in the surroundings of Samarkand since the composition follows the same concept in its division of space. In the small field, the central blossom is surrounded by a vine of prickly appearance decorated with hook-like leaves and small anemones. The corners of field contain two large circular blossoms enclosing star motifs and two smaller circular blossoms resembling cogged wheels. Two large birds in flight are depicted at the ends of the field. However, it is the main border that particularly catches the eye. Huge blossoms, predominantly in reds and pinks, have been inserted at a 90 degree angle between pairs of sturdy, slightly curved branches decorated with colourful botehs, hooked leaves and anemones. Shaped like umbrellas, their semi-circular upper edges are decorated with long curved points ending in small yellow triangles. This motif appears exotic and is reminiscent of a fool’s cap. Two further birds have been incorporated into the border. In contrast to the powerful effect achieved by the main border, the delicate vines of the secondary borders are of the utmost elegance. – Good condition, backed with canvas.

Origin:
Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Samarkand

Dimensions:
162 x 130 cm

Age:
Mid 19th century

Estimate:
28,000.00 - 33,000.00 €

Literature:
HERRMANN, EBERHART, Asiatische Teppich- und Textilkunst 2. Munich 1990, no. 66

Published:
VOK, IGNAZIO, Vok Collection. Suzani. A Textile Art from Central Asia. (Text by Jakob Taube) Munich 1994, no. 37