Ura Tube Suzani

206 x 181 cm (6' 9" x 5' 11")
Uzbekistan, mid 19th century
Condition: very good, minor small repairs, minor signs of use
Silk on cotton

Silk embroideries from Central Asia are among the most joyful and life-affirming textiles of all - and their function as bridal dowry items contributes significantly to this character. The attribution of this piece to the ancient fortress town of Ura Tube, located along key caravan routes, is based on the presence of characteristic strawberry-red blossoms surrounded by soft green leaves.
The borders give the embroidery a clear sense of direction: upward-growing flower stems framed by leaves organize the composition. These are accompanied by a rich variety of differently shaped leaves and blossoms. It is rare to find a Suzani that features such a broad spectrum of beautifully harmonized colors.
While the red and green stems in the border provide structure and stability, the central field unfolds in a lush, almost sensual abundance of flowers and colors. Rising from this floral opulence is a multi-lobed blossom which, upon closer inspection, is revealed to be framed by a star-shaped contour. Such star motifs are especially well known from embroideries in the Nurata style, though they also appear in works from other workshops.
A directly comparable example to our piece, held in the Museum of Applied Arts in Tashkent, is published in Bright Flowers by Christina Sumner and Guy Petherbridge (p.?75). Another embroidery with a similar overall composition, though more restrained in its effect, was found in the renowned collection of Ignazio Vok (Suzani 2, no.?63). A further related piece is documented in Thomas Knorr's Uzbek, plate 22.
The extraordinary extravagance of the design in our embroidery will offer a collector continuous new insights over time - each renewed, contemplative viewing will further enrich its sensual impact.

Estimate: € 12000 - 18000