
Suzani
Art of the Silk Road
Hali Publications Ltd (Publisher)
Published on 13. March 2026
Book
Hardback
384 pages
978-1-898113-89-8 (ISBN)
Description
Suzanis, the exquisite hand-embroidered panels from Central Asia, have captured the hearts and minds of collectors and decorators for many years. Joyful and exuberant, they are a bridge to a past way of life in which textiles permeated every facet of existence. While today they adorn the walls of museums and can be spotted in homes designed by interior designers such as Robert Kime and Beata Heuman, not much is known about their history. This book sets out to change that.
Through the lens of one of the best collections of suzanis in the world, we delve into the history of Central Asia and understand more about the women who painstakingly stitched these works of art. A true delight for all who have experienced the magic of the suzani, this publication pairs beautiful visuals with engaging new research.
Through the lens of one of the best collections of suzanis in the world, we delve into the history of Central Asia and understand more about the women who painstakingly stitched these works of art. A true delight for all who have experienced the magic of the suzani, this publication pairs beautiful visuals with engaging new research.
Reviews / Votes
Decorator's Insider newsletter featured Suzani - Decorator's Insider "...can now be considered the standard work on the subject of Suzani." - Preetorius FoundationMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Product notice
Laminated cover
Illustrations
20 Illustrations, black and white; 200 Illustrations, color
Dimensions
Height: 330 mm
Width: 263 mm
Thickness: 41 mm
Weight
2910 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-898113-89-8 (9781898113898)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Christian Erber is one of the world's most knowledgeable collectors of suzanis. His insights are complemented by scholarly contributions from Penny Oakley and Markus Voigt.
Content
On the Nature of Collecting 6
Katja Schmitz-von Ledebur
Scenes in the Life of a Collecting Couple 9
Dietlinde and Christian Erber
Acknowledgements 13
Dietlinde and Christian Erber
History and Trade 14
Personal Reflections on Suzanis and Suzani Collectors 16
Markus Voigt
A Brief History of the Suzani-producing Region 28
Penny Oakley
Trade Routes and Potential Design Influences 36
Penny Oakley
The Suzanis 44
Introduction to Suzanis 46
Penny Oakley
A Note on Dating 67
Markus Voigt
Catalogue 68
Penny Oakley
Motifs and Stitches 356
Birds and Other Creatures Hidden in Flowering Gardens 358
Eleanor Sims
To the Point 362
Christian Erber
Bibliography 372
Appendix 378
Katja Schmitz-von Ledebur
Scenes in the Life of a Collecting Couple 9
Dietlinde and Christian Erber
Acknowledgements 13
Dietlinde and Christian Erber
History and Trade 14
Personal Reflections on Suzanis and Suzani Collectors 16
Markus Voigt
A Brief History of the Suzani-producing Region 28
Penny Oakley
Trade Routes and Potential Design Influences 36
Penny Oakley
The Suzanis 44
Introduction to Suzanis 46
Penny Oakley
A Note on Dating 67
Markus Voigt
Catalogue 68
Penny Oakley
Motifs and Stitches 356
Birds and Other Creatures Hidden in Flowering Gardens 358
Eleanor Sims
To the Point 362
Christian Erber
Bibliography 372
Appendix 378