Suzanis – Timeless or Trendy?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Suzanis have been used a lot in Western decoration during the last decade or so but there is more to these textiles than meets the eye. I absolutely adore their vibrant colors and detailed craftsmanship, and how they can instantly awaken a space. Used as throws or pillow covers, these embroideries add something special to a room and I thought we can take a closer look at how & why suzanis were made.  

By definition, Suzanis are large, handmade, embroidered textiles produced by nomadic tribes in Central Asian countries, among which Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. (Although similar embroidered textiles can be found in Turkey, Morocco, Algeria and Greece.) The term Suzani comes from the Persian word suzan which means needle. 

Suzanis were significant in a young bride’s life and part of her dowry which she presented to her groom on their wedding day. Symbolizing the blending together of two families and two destinies,  suzanis were customarily embroidered with motifs of good health, fortune, love and fertility. Produced on several pieces of cotton (and sometimes silk) that were then stitched together,  several people could work simultaneously on a larger suzani. 

They were used in the yurt (the Central Asian nomadic tent) as bedspreads, prayer rugs and protective covers for small items of furniture. Because of the nature of migration and nomadic life, which constantly exposed suzanis to the natural elements, very few older textiles survive. The oldest suzanis on a collectors market date back to the late 18th-century, early 19th-century. Although there is evidence that suzanis, or something very similar, were made as early as the 15th-century. 

An Exquisite Handmade Suzani I found on Easy

Suzanis feature a wide array of motifs that help somewhat distinguish between their origins -vines, stylised floral patterns, pomegranates, star medallions and stylistic flowers, serrated borders, sometimes birds and vegetables. Originally only natural dyes were used, which gave them their characteristic vibrant look. 

Silk on silk embroidered bedspread suzani

Due to their delicate nature and exquisite design, it is no wonder that suzanis have become highly desired among collectors and command a hefty price tag on the art market. For me, they are definitely timeless, regardless of their increase in popularity in decorating as of late. Below I’m including one of my favorite affordable suzani sources on Etsy, a shop based in Bukhara Uzbekistan. You can view their selections here. Their suzani pillows, throws and tapestries rival the high-end boutique pieces one can purchase at considerably higher prices.

Suzani bedspread

Suzani Pillow

Floral suzani

Suzani bedspread

Suzani pillow

Suzani Pillow

I’m curious to hear what are your thoughts on suzanis? Are you a fan? Wishing you a great weekend!

Research credits: Wikipedia and Christies.