Suzani. Piskent, Uzbekistan, 19th century.

Suzani. Piskent, Uzbekistan, 19th century.
Damaged.
Measurements: 260 x 215 cm.

This large suzani comes from Pskent, a city in northeastern Uzbekistan that belonged to the Emirate of Kokand. Its name derives from the Persian word "suzan", meaning "needle", which underlines the hand embroidery technique. The red background is completely embroidered. The circular motif characteristic of its region of origin is called "Paliak" (moon), and the design is known as "Oi Paliak" (moonlit sky). It consists of round flowers with broad golden outlines varying in size and interior motif. Originally, these textiles formed an important part of a bride's wedding trousseau and were presented to the groom on the wedding day. They were used to adorn wedding halls, as coverings for the bridal thalamus, or as tapestries.