How were these textiles used?

These pieces served primarily as ceremonial bed covers within Central Asian households, forming an essential component of a bride's dowry. Families also displayed them on walls during important domestic celebrations. Today, collectors utilise them in similar ways, draping them over beds or mounting them as textile art to introduce colour and texture to interior spaces.

How do I care for an antique textile?

Protect antique embroidery from direct sunlight to prevent silk threads and dyed grounds from fading over time. Gentle vacuuming through a mesh screen helps remove dust without stressing the fabric. Avoid folding these textiles along the same crease lines repeatedly to prevent stress on the ground cloth and stitches. Professional textile conservation cleaning is recommended when required.

How do I identify regional Suzani styles?

Regional attribution relies on examining the specific colour palette, floral motifs, and compositional layouts characteristic of cities like Bukhara, Samarkand, or Tashkent. Samarkand pieces often feature bold circular medallions, while Shahrisabz designs display highly complex multi-coloured floral arrangements. Tribal pieces associated with the Lakai group display distinct geometric and zoomorphic abstractions that differ from urban workshop standards.