Suzani

"Suzani" comes from the Persian word meaning needle, and for our means: Needlework. The term usually refers to extraordinary textiles from Uzbekistan, on the famed silk route in Central Asia. 

  Close-up of Suzani panel with flowers and vines and rosettes.   In such a desert area- color is a welcome

relief. These textiles are treasured home accessories and integral parts of dowries.

A silk couching stitch called bukhara or basma stitch is created by laying silk threads on the base fabric, then securing them down with short diagonal stitches.   Yes, a VERY time and talent demanding embroidery.  The silk threads can be colored with pomegranate, walnuts or other natural occurring dyes.  The marvelous sheen of silk threads and subtle variations in coloration combined with intentional variances in composition make these one of the most sought after art works demanded the world over.

We work directly with Uzbecki merchants to bring you these stunning wall hangings, bed covers, behind the bed wall hangings.  The edges are finished off and we only choose the finest quality.

                  86.5 x 56.5 in.                                                                                                 

   Interior designer inquiries welcome.

56 x 19.5 in.   $249

This superb Ikat from Laos is hand dyed, raw silk and can be worn as a shawl or used as a home accessory.  Lets's explore incredibly complicated method of IKAT:   First the raw silk threads have to be spun and then they are bundled together.  Next, cords of bundles are tied off in a pattern and dyed one color at a time- lightest colors first. The places that have been tied off do not get dyed.  The more colors the more dye baths needed.  So, imagine that you have to know what pattern will look like after its been woven!  The more colors employed the more complicated and exacting the skill.  This four color Ikat is especially difficult to make and requires years of practice!     $420

Stunning "Jati"  Textile from the Kutch Area of India/Pakistan.

This special quilt is made from the tribal dress pieces of Jath women with extraordinary embroidery.

Women from this part of the world, begin learning how to embroider around six years old.  Their dress tells where they are from, marital status etc.  The desert region is harsh, the people extremely poor, yet they produce some of the richest embroidery in the world.  The textiles serve as her dowry and can take years to make.

These Muslim women know how to change stitch direction, incorporate mirrors and combine color to make textiles of vibrating beauty!