Suzanis: an ancient craft that brings art to home furnishings.
Suzani, which means needlework in Persian, is the name given to large, embroidered textiles from Central Asia that were used as hangings or bed covers. These textiles were made of several panels of cotton or linen cloth that were embroidered with silk thread. To create the piece, the designs were first drawn on the panels in ink by either a family member or a hired professional. Several women in the family would then embroider different panels, and after the embroidery was complete, the panels would be sewn together to form the finished cloth. (Text from the Textile Museum.org: textile of the month)
Suzani were made in cities and towns in Central Asia; the different motifs on the textiles indicate where they were produced.
The image above was graciously brought to Trendbites by Maryam from My Marakesh blog who is well on her way to opening (February 08) her online store, the Peacock Pavilions Shop, where you too will be able to get your hands on suzanis like these as well as many other exotic goods from mysterious and exotic far off lands.
Maryam’s blog, My Marakesh, is full of images and tales of the interesting life she leads in Marakesh and upon occasion shows us the type of goods that the Peacock Pavilions Shop will be offering. Maryam explained that the suzani in these images are part of her personal collection and are not for sale but she is traveling to Kyrgyzstan where she will be shopping for her store. Maryam explained that Kyrgyz embroideries and felt rugs are also stunning and similar in inspiration. but will also buy Uzbek suzanis - if she finds a good stash and will offer them for sale. (click on the above highlighted Central Asia to get a feel for the geography we are referring to)
Ethnic embroideries are quite the thing these days and being able to get a hold of some of these directly from the regions the craft was historically honed is nothing less than breathtakingly exciting!
I am pretty sure a suzani is just what the daybed on the covered porch of the house I keep by the shore in Kennebunkport, Maine needs to make the room complete (well I can dream, can’t I?).
These are so beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
absolutely gorgeous!
I’m coming from Maryam’s blog.
I love so much Suzani, I wanted to read your post.
Just WONDERFUL
[…] Central Asian textiles made this blog last year courtesy of MyMarrakesh when Trendbites featured the suzani that are part of Maryam […]
What fabulous colours and textiles. I shall be looking up the retailer offering Suzani fabrics. My trip to Marrakesh is certainly brought back to mind and although I acquired a few pieces there, will be happy to look at more. Definitely a delight to the eye.
Beryl
http://www.shappsandcoutts.com
Thank you for stopping by Beryl. MyMarrakesh blog frequently shows what she will be offering when the Peacock Pavilions online shop is up and running but she sells in the meantime. She lists where you can contact her by email on her blog.
Lucky you that you’ve been to Marrakesh….I really want to go.
where can I purchase
Hi Gennie,
Contact Maryam through her MyMarrakesh blog. She sells the authentic things. Please let her know you saw these on my blog, and thank you for asking.
http://moroccanmaryam.typepad.com/my_marrakesh/
I am frustrated constantly searching online for a new furniture that can help declutter my room.I hope this works for me.
Hi Martin,
Suzani is a specialized graphic representing ethnic tribes in the Uzbekistan region, authentic or reproduced; they will make a statement for sure, but if you are looking for something to declutter your room, you may want to go for solids.
Thank you for stopping by. May I refer you also to Design Milk’s blog. She is always showing interior design ideas as well as good choices in art and home furnishings.
Good luck….I happen to know exactly what you mean!
Hi,
I live in Brazil and I would like to but some Suzanis to use in a chair. Could tou help me please?
Thanks a lot,
Cida
Thank you Cida for dropping by. There are several places I can refer you to, but give me a moment to collect them all….there is a shop in Fla that has done them, and a shop in Australia, plus you can get the real thing from Marrakesh. I’ll send you the links to these places so you can get more info.
Greetings,
Just searching for some good advice. Considering using a jeweled colored Suzani fabric for drapes in a living room and same pattern in cafe curtains in the kitchen. Do you think Suzani lends itself better for furniture? Would Suzani drapes in a lake cottage upstate NY be too much pattern? Thanks
Great question, Doris. Until I got to your last sentence I was thinking no won’t work…but a lake cottage in Upstate NY, perfect.
Although to help manage the print you will need to incorporate some of the color into your furniture, even if it’s just painted and only a few pieces, but that would draw out the color and keep the print from overpowering the rooms.
Sounds lovely, Doris. Thank you for stopping by.
Send pictures when done.
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Wish you everything is successful.
Bonnie