Shahkrisabz or Bukhara Suzani
S4: silk on cotton
243 x 176 cm

The bold, densely patterned design of this magnificent suzani suggests an origin of either Shahkrisabz or Bukhara. The most visually dramatic feature of it is the powerful network of dark navy/black scrolling vines that creates a dynamic lattice structure across the entire field. These sinuous, curving vines aren’t merely decorative fillers – they form the architectural framework of the composition, creating diamond-shaped compartments that contain the floral medallions. The vines feature smaller leafy tendrils and buds that add organic movement throughout. The interplay between the dark structural vines and the glowing warm medallions creates a dynamic visual rhythm that’s suggests  Shakhrisabz or Bukhara. The colour palette is extraordinarily vibrant and varied, featuring deep crimson-reds, bright oranges, coral pinks, golden yellows, turquoise blues, and touches of green and purple. Shakhrisabz embroiderers were renowned for their bold use of saturated colors and their willingness to place contrasting hues directly adjacent to one another, creating visual excitement and energy. Each circular medallion is uniquely designed with different internal patterns—some with radiating petals creating wheel or star forms, others with geometric divisions, and some featuring small floral centres. The rosettes are rendered in multiple colors with turquoise or blue central “eyes,” creating both unity and endless variation. The piece is probably from the first half of the 19th century.