Description

Large Medallion Suzani

Origin:
Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Bokhara

Dimensions:
271 x 165 cm

Age:
Ca. 1800 or earlier

Estimate:
40,000.00 - 50,000.00 €

This monumental Bokhara embroidery presenting thirteen circular and fan-shaped blossoms belongs to Group D of the large medallion suzanis which lack the central medallion. It is not yet included in Franses‘ monograph, which lists 4 Group D suzanis, and should thus be considered D5 for future reference. - The wide main border is the focus of the composition. The three blossoms aligned vertically in the narrow field are slightly smaller than the blossoms in the border, and their interior drawing has been adapted accordingly. A water jug and two small birds are seen in the corners of the field. The bold, curved diagonal vines are a feature shared by all large medallion suzanis. They terminate in a head at one end, the other end is pointed and their sides are decorated with cruciform flowers. Their zoomorphic appearance suggests that they may be abstract animal figures, possibly centipedes or salamanders. – Good condition. Backed with canvas.

Literature:
FRANSES, MICHAEL, The Great Embroideries of Bukhara. London 2000, D 1- 4, ills. pp. 71 and 72 *** GRUBE, ERNST J., Keshte. The Marshall and Marylyn R. Wolf Collection. New York 2003, no. 2 *** RIPPON BOSWELL, auction of 29th November 2008, # 147

Published:
VOK, IGNAZIO, Suzani 2. A Textile Art from Central Asia. Second part of the collection, catalogue nos. 49 – 79. (Text by Jakob Taube) Munich 2006, no. 77