{"id":4410,"date":"2019-05-27T10:59:19","date_gmt":"2019-05-27T10:59:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skyyliving.com\/?p=4410"},"modified":"2019-05-28T10:32:31","modified_gmt":"2019-05-28T10:32:31","slug":"suzanis-of-central-asia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skyyliving.com\/suzanis-of-central-asia\/","title":{"rendered":"Suzanis of Central Asia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Needlework is not merely a means of ornamentation. The fabrics are also threaded with stories of the community and nothing is without history.<\/em><\/p>\n

When I look at an embroidered cushion or rug, I see more than just a pretty piece of fabric. It gives me a glimpse into stories, history and creativity of the makers.<\/p>\n

One of my favourite sources of inspiration have been the Suzanis of Central Asia. You will find it reflecting in a lot of my designs and in the pieces we do at Skyy.<\/p>\n

The Story Behind\u00a0 Suzani Embroidery<\/strong><\/p>\n

The roots of Suzani embroidery can be traced back to the Central Asian countries of Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The word \u2018Suzani\u2019 actually comes from the Persian word for needle and needlework “suzanikari”.<\/p>\n

Like in India, tradition plays a very important role in our lives. In the Central Asian countries, handcrafted dowry pieces was a sign of respect for both the families who were entering into marriage. These beautiful handcrafted dowry pieces were worked on by the mother and daughter for her wedding day to bring wellbeing into her married life ahead. When a girl was old enough, her grandmother and mother would share their secrets of the art of creating stunning embroidered pieces.<\/p>\n

The Decline And The Revival<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over time, the production of textiles thrived in Bukhara and Samarkand and along the fabled Silk Road.The suzani motifs, colours, and composition acquired regional association.<\/p>\n

When Russia invaded Central Asia all that changed. Craft production was forbidden\u00a0and the ancient art form almost disappeared. It was only once the Soviet Union fell did the Uzbek artisans start the process of revival of this centuries-old art form.<\/p>\n

Weaving Their Magic<\/strong><\/p>\n

Each suzani motif used is there to bring joy, fertility, long life, prosperity, fruitfulness, good health, hospitality etc, and to ward off all evil from the home. Do you know how many different forms of Suzani embroidery are there? Let me give you a little insight<\/p>\n