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?).

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