Suzani (large embroidered hanging or cover)
19th century
Medium
Cotton, plain weave; embroidered with silk
Dimensions
231.4 × 150.2 cm (91 1/8 × 59 1/8 in.)
Classification
needlework (visual works)
Department
Textiles
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
16236
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The term suzani comes from the Persian word for needle, but in Central Asia it specifically refers to large, spectacularly colorful textiles embroidered in silk. Suzanis were traditionally used as wall hangings or as covers to wrap bedding and clothing. Produced by women, they were an essential part of a wedding dowry. Because of their size, suzanis consist of several widths of narrower cloth. These ground (or base) fabrics were first laid out and the design drawn upon them. Each width of cloth...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...