Lakai Suzani

Second half 19th century, 176 x 146 cm, Central Asia, South West Uzbekistan

This unusual suzani embroidered in the yurma stitch was probably made by a Lakai tribal group in the Kermina area. The foundation is a beige four-panel cotton fabric which may have been imported from India. The broadly conceived field design lacking a fixed structure appears unorthodox and full of movement. It consists of blossoms in varying sizes, shapes and colours; green curved stems which do not combine into a coherent lattice; and very thin gold vines. The individual devices, the style of drawing and the specific colour combinations seen in various motifs suggest the Lakai provenance. – Good condition, fabric backing on the reverse.