Suzani (also spelled suzani) is an embroidered textile traditionally passed down among the nomadic peoples of Central Asia—present-day Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and surrounding regions. The word originally comes from Persian, meaning “needle.” As you might expect, it is thought to have originated in Uzbekistan and later spread to neighboring countries. This particular suzani was stitched about 30–40 years ago. On a cotton ground fabric, women sewed it stitch by stitch using silk and other threads, thinking of their own weddings or those of their daughters as they worked. Sizes and uses varied—some were made to decorate celebratory gatherings, others to hang at the entrance as a kind of talisman to ward off evil, and so on. Suzani are also very popular in Europe and the U.S., and they sometimes appear in Western interior-design books. It may be a little short for use as a bedcover, but if you exclude the pillow area it should work well. Of course, it’s also recommended as a sofa cover, tablecloth, room divider, or boldly displayed across an entire wall. A large circular motif representing the sun or a big blossom sits at the center, surrounded by distinctive flowers such as carnation-like blooms and rose motifs. The ground is a dark, slightly magenta-tinged bordeaux red, with chic tones such as black and blue-green. *Note:* Because this is an older piece made for household use, it may have some fraying, cut/broken fringe, stains, or faint remaining guideline drawings under the embroidery. We try to show any noticeable issues in the photos as much as possible, but please purchase with the understanding that it is an antique/vintage item. If you have any concerns, feel free to contact us anytime. (Photos) - “The embroidered areas have lots of volume.” - “There are several loops remaining in a few places—traces of its use as a wall hanging.”