Suzani c. 19th century

This Suzani was made by an anonymous maker using cotton and silk, probably somewhere in Central Asia. Look closely, and you'll see that the design has been achieved entirely through embroidery, the stitches marching across the fabric to define its bold floral forms. Think about the sheer labour involved. An entire textile, conceived from scratch. The ground material alone would have been quite an undertaking to produce, from plant to loom. Then, the dyed silk threads, laid down with painstaking care. These textiles were traditionally made by women, intended for ceremonial use, perhaps to celebrate a birth or marriage. By engaging in this slow, meticulous work, they not only created visual delight but also affirmed their own cultural identity. So next time you see an embroidered object, remember this Suzani. It shows us that textiles can be far more than just decoration. They are a testament to the power of human hands, working together over time.