Antique Uzbek suzani of small size, silk embroidery on ivory coloured silk ground. Size: 6ft 0in x 4ft 0in (182 x 122cm). Circa 1900/20. Suzani are silk embroideries that have been woven in Uzbekistan for many hundreds of years, they are treasured family items woven by the ladies of a family usually to celebrate a wedding. They are then used to decorate the inside of the Yurt. They are embroidered in silk on strips of cotton which are then joined together to make the complete item. The suzani is then backed with fine cotton to give it strength and body. This example is of a small size known as 'nim' suzani, which means half embroidered; the silk embroidery is on a ivory coloured silk field. It was probably woven in Southern Eastern Uzbekistan, near the Tajik boarder. The suzani would have been used as a small cover or wall hanging, they were also used on special occasions to cover the ground for the serving of food, like a table cloth. It is suggested that the white / ivory silk suzani were associated with weddings and possibly used as a canopy over the bride and groom. The condition is fair with only very slight wear and no repairs, there are a number of historic stains to the ivory silk ground, this is reflected in the price. The suzani is ready for display. Ref: t-0588. £345 | $466 usd | €398 eur