Historical information

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 Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries, suzanis have become highly collectable and valued for their beautiful decoration and fine craftsmanship.
They 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.
Suzanis are made from cotton, sometimes silk. The pattern is first drawn onto the cotton, before being embroidered on narrow portable looms. They are usually produced in two or more pieces, meaning that they can be worked on by more than one person, before being stitched together.
Just four stitches — tambour, basma, chain and kanda-khayol

Physical description

Cushion cover of embroidered Suzani on red cotton fabric. Embroidered with stylized floral design and foliage. Designs are embroidered in white, yellow, orange, bronze, pink, brown and black thread in tambour stitch.