A Shakrhrizabz Susani, Uzbekistan

comprised of seven joined panels, worked with overall floral pattern worked in polychrome threads, with partial remaining ikat edging turned under

This panel is comprised of seven joined strips. There are small areas of weakness to the original ground, and small splits and losses to this textile, with some small areas of repair and some small holes repaired in complimentary coloured support textile. Split in top left corner of catalogue photograph, from edge into narrow border and along edge of border (`L' shaped), which is opened up old repair, as stitches present. Needs some stabilisation. The original ikat edging has been turned under, and is visible along two sides (left and top in photograph), and covered by lining on other sides. Wonderful range of pastel colours to detailing of the central four palmettes. Charming details including the small pots embroidered around the central flowerhead. Magnificent drawing to overall composition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Susanis, a creation of the settled people of Uzbekistan in Central Asia, are both of artistic and social importance. These beautiful floral embroideries, often Royal gifts, and used as bridal bedspreads, were one of the main elements of the dowry. Susanis are mainly dated as 19th century although some examples may be attributed to the late 18th century. For further discussion on this category of Susani, see The Vok Collection, cited above, along with Hali, Issue 81, pp.89-93.

A directly comparable Susani panel (364 by 208cm.) is in the M. H. de Young Museum (Inv.no. L84.166.8), San Francisco, and is dated late 18th century or early 19th century, embroidered in silks on cotton, with very similar groupings of motifs, balanced composition, spacing within the main field and border, and use of additional subtle pastel colours, all distinctive of finely executed pieces. This cited piece is one of a group of several Susani given to the collection of the The M.H.de Young Museum, which is discussed in Hali, Issue 30, pp.44-51, and illustrated as fig.5, pg.49. Another comparable piece, cited in Hali, op.cit., is in the Moscow Museum of Oriental Art, illustrated in Chepelevskaya, Suzani Uzbekistana, 1961/1991, previously published in Knorr and Lindahl, Uzbek catalogue. Another very similar susani (228 by 228cm.) comprised of seven strips, is illustrated in Ignazio Vok, Suzani - A Textile Art from Central Asia, Vok Collection, Munich, 1994, fig.34.