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<div>[[File:Kermina Suzani.jpg|thumb|Kermina Suzani, first half 19th century, Uzbekistan. The large blossoms in red, orange, salmon, a pale aubergine and light blue show the characteristic metallic sheen of Kermina embroideries.]]<br />
[[File:Suzani (3951391778).jpg|thumb|[[Uzbeks|Uzbek]] Suzani wedding cloth]]<br />
'''Suzani''' is a type of [[Islamic embroidery|embroidered]] and [[decorative]] [[tribe|tribal]] [[textile]] made in [[Tajikistan]], [[Uzbekistan]], [[Kazakhstan]] and other [[Central Asia]]n countries. Suzani is from the [[Persian language|Persian]] سوزن ''Suzan'' which means [[Sewing needle|needle]]. The art of making such textiles in [[Iran]] is called [[:fa:سوزندوزی|سوزندوزی]] ''Suzandozi'' (needlework).<br />
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Suzanis usually have a [[cotton]] (sometimes [[silk]]) fabric base, which is embroidered in silk or cotton thread. [[Chain stitch|Chain]], [[satin stitch|satin]], and [[buttonhole stitch]]es are the primary stitches used. There is also extensive use of [[couching (embroidery)|couching]], in which decorative thread laid on the fabric as a raised line is stitched in place with a second thread. Suzanis are often made in two or more pieces, that are then stitched together<br />
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Popular design motifs include sun and moon disks, flowers (especially [[tulip]]s, [[carnation]]s, and [[Iris (plant)|irises]]), leaves and vines, fruits (especially [[pomegranates]]), and occasional fish and birds. <ref>[http://www.marlamallett.com/suzanis.htm Contemporary Uzbek suzanis] by Marla Mallett</ref><br />
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The oldest surviving suzanis are from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but it seems likely that they were in use long before that. In the early 15th century, [[Ruy Gonzáles de Clavijo]], the [[Crown of Castile|Castilian]] ambassador to the court of [[Timur]] (Tamerlane), left detailed descriptions of embroideries that were probably forerunners of the suzani. <ref> [http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200304/splendid.suzanis.htm "Splendid Suzanis], 2003, [[Saudi Aramco World]]</ref><br />
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Suzanis were traditionally made by Central Asian brides as part of their [[dowry]], and were presented to the groom on the wedding day. <ref>[http://unionpurl.blogspot.com/2009/02/s-is-for-suzani.html Article on suzanis] </ref><br />
These hand-embroidered vintage suzanis are infused with the character that only comes from everyday use. Perhaps created by a bride-to-be to show her devotion to her betrothed and then in lean times bartered away to a traveling Gypsy for money or household necessities pulled from the depths of his donkey cart. The story of each of these suzanis is as rich as their colors, as intricate as the designs that cover their surfaces.<ref>[http://www.blackfigdesigns.com/what-are-suzanis Suzanis are one of the most popular folk arts in Uzbekistan] </ref><br />
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==Major types of Suzani==<br />
*[[Bukhara]] Suzani<br />
*Khodjent Suzani ([[Khodjent]], [[Tajikistan]])<br />
*[[Lakai (tribe)|Lakai]] Suzani<br />
*[[Nurata]] Suzani, made in the town of [[Nurata]] in [[Uzbekistan]].<br />
*[[Pskent]] Suzani<br />
*[[Samarkand]] Suzani<br />
*[[Shakhrisabz Suzani]] <br />
*[[Tashkent]] Suzani<br />
*[[Ura Tube]] Suzani ([[Istaravshan]], Tajikistan)<br />
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<center><br />
<gallery caption="Stamps featuring suzanis" widths="190px" heights="160px" ><br />
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File:Stamps of Uzbekistan, 2009-32.jpg|[[Samarkand]] Suzani<br />
File:Stamps of Uzbekistan, 2009-33.jpg|[[Bukhara]] Suzani<br />
File:Stamps of Uzbekistan, 2009-34.jpg|[[:es:Pskent]] Suzani<br />
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</gallery> </center><br />
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==See also==<br />
*[[Kaitag]], embroidered textiles from [[Dagestan]]<br />
*[[Tush kyiz]]<br />
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==References==<br />
{{reflist}} <br />
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==Sources and external links==<br />
*[http://www.persiancarpetguide.com/sw-asia/Rugs/Uzbek/Suzani.htm Guide to Suzani] by Barry O'Connell. Photographs of all types of suzanis.<br />
*[http://unionpurl.blogspot.com/2009/02/s-is-for-suzani.html Article on suzanis]<br />
*[http://www.marlamallett.com/suzanis.htm Contemporary Uzbek suzanis] by Marla Mallett. Includes details of embroidery techniques.<br />
*[http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/200304/splendid.suzanis.htm "Splendid Suzanis], 2003, [[Saudi Aramco World]]<br />
*[http://www.bukhara-carpets.com/making/suzani.html All about suzani from Central Asia]<br />
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{{Commons}}<br />
{{embroidery}}<br />
{{Islamic art}}<br />
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[[Category:Kazakhstani culture]]<br />
[[Category:Embroidery]]<br />
[[Category:Uzbekistani culture]]</div>Tillman