Cushion Cover · Suzani · Chartreuse

Hand-embroidered cushion cover, meticulously crafted by Uzbek artisans following centuries-old suzani traditions. This opulent piece, worked in silk on locally woven adras, mesmerises with its radiating floral medallion set against a vibrant chartreuse backdrop, the elaborate chain-stitch embroidery in vivid coral and indigo- a fine representation of traditional Central Asian iconography.

The Craft. This cushion cover exemplifies the painstaking precision of suzani embroidery, an art form that has shaped Central Asian textile heritage for generations. Artisans begin by mapping the composition onto the handwoven adras foundation (a mix of silk and cotton), then animate it through countless individual chain stitches executed in silk threads. Every element develops through successive layers of stitching, with makers thoughtfully choosing hues and varying stitch angles to produce the nuanced tonal shifts and surface interest that distinguish authentic suzani work. The balanced arrangement demands careful forethought and deft execution, embroiderers investing weeks in bringing each piece to completion.

The Heritage. With roots reaching back centuries along the ancient Silk Road, suzani embroideries (from the Persian suzan maning needle) occupy a cherished position within Uzbek cultural life. Historically produced as essential components of bridal dowery, these stitched textiles fulfilled both utilitarian and ritual functions, gracing households during festivities and commemorating pivotal moments in the life cycle. The symbolic motifs - pomegranate for fecundity and good fortune, carnations for affection and commitment, rosettes for the sun and cosmos, vines for continuity of life - carry deep cultural meaning and protective powers for the household.Distinct regional expressions flourish throughout Uzbekistan's storied centres of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent, each place preserving characteristic chromatic schemes and design languages transmitted across generations of female craftspeople.

The Makers. The Kholmukamedova sisters continue a family lineage of suzani embroidery passed down through generations in their Uzbek community. Working collaboratively, they maintain the exacting standards and traditional techniques learned from their mothers and grandmothers, translating time-honoured patterns into contemporary pieces whilst honouring the cultural significance embedded in every stitch.