Suzani 140

A suzani is a large, hand-embroidered textile panel, the word comes from the Persian word suzan, which means needle. Originating from nomadic tribes in Central Asia, suzanis have become highly collectable and valued for their beautiful decoration and fine craftsmanship. Suzanis have a symbolic significance and were traditionally made by brides and their mothers as part of a dowry, and presented to the groom on his wedding day. They represented the binding together of two families, and were adorned with symbols of luck, health, long life and fertility. Usually suzanis have a cotton ground with silk embroidery. Ideally, a suzani should be hung flat on a wall, but they work great for upholstery too! Headboards, ottomans or small occasional chairs. Do not be tempted to wash them yourself, because they can be extremely fragile. Speciality cleaning or dry clean only