How do I hang a textile safely?

Mount a silk thread wall hanging using a professional conservation method that distributes weight evenly across the top edge. Avoid direct pinning through the fabric, which stresses delicate old fibres. Velcro strips sewn to a cotton sleeve or a padded wooden batten provide secure support for displaying heavier pieces without causing structural damage.

How should I clean antique embroidery?

Professional textile conservation is the only safe method for cleaning antique embroidered wall hangings. Domestic washing or chemical spot cleaning can dissolve fugitive dyes and weaken ancient silk threads. Gentle surface vacuuming with mesh protection removes loose dust, but water-based cleaning must be left to specialist conservators.

Where were suzanis originally made?

Suzanis were traditionally produced by women in households across Central Asia, including regions within modern Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. They formed a vital part of traditional dowries and domestic furnishings. Towns such as Bokhara and Tashkent developed distinct embroidery styles that remain identifiable through specific colour palettes and motif arrangements.

Are these textiles fragile?

Age and material composition make antique silk embroideries sensitive to environmental stressors. Silk fibres weaken with prolonged exposure to strong light and fluctuating humidity levels. Protecting the hanging from direct sunlight and maintaining stable indoor conditions ensures the textile remains stable for daily appreciation.