An outstanding antique Uzbek Shahrisabz silk Suzani, showcasing exceptionally fine silk chain-stitched embroidery on an unusual silk blend (?) textured and patterned white ground fabric. Dating close to mid 19th century, it boasts a dazzling mihrab / arch design with classic Shahrisabz floral repertoire surrounded in various shrubs and botehs that repeat in a free flowing manner. The design is rendered in rich contrasting colours all of which appear to have been derived from natural dyes. We see a salmon pink, a crimson dye and even a purple all of which are natural dyes. These colours are mixed with a bright blue, green, yellow and indigo. But the most telling part is the incorporation of some wool embroidery dyed in a rich red colour. This is a clear indication of mid 19th century when they achieved that rich red on wool as they didn’t know how to do it in silk. So whenever you see this red wool, it is a strong indication of early Shahrisabz embroideries and a good sign of age. The ground fabric seems to be a silk blend linen or cotton but that has a faint texture. i have only seen four examples that have used such ground fabric in Shahrisabz suzanis. In real life it is a powerful piece and worthy of any collection. The condition is pretty good with a few worn parts to the ground that have been conserved and backed to a cotton fabric and some slight abrasion of the wool embroidery. The silk embroidery is in great shape. Offered at a reasonable price. Size: 250cm x 150cm (88.5” x 55”)…….Email me your questions. Size: 240cm x 170cm (8’11" x 4’11")….… …. (If you message via rugrabbit and don’t get a response within 24 hours, then your message hasn’t got to us so please email directly to: istalificollections@outlook.com