«Suzani» collection goes on show

A nationally-important collection of Central Asian wall-hangings is about to go on show for the first time as an entire group in Glasgow.

The richly-embroidered Suzanis, created by women in 19th century Uzbekistan, were collected by Sir William Burrell.

They were designed by professional draughtswomen and then embroidered by hand in a collaborative process by the women of a family.

In total 11 Suzanis will go on display at the Burrell Collection.

The wall-hangings, bed covers and curtains were originally produced as dowry pieces but trading along the Silk Road trade route brought them to the attention of a much wider European audience.

Sir William Burrell`s collection of Suzanis is one of three in the UK of special significance.

The Suzanis will go on display at the Burrell alongside another four textiles and three carpets from Western China, Iran and Turkey, which illustrate the cultural influences exchanged between them.

Silk Road

Noorah al-Gailani, curator of Islamic civilizations at the Burrell Collection, said: "The Suzanis are absolutely beautiful, and made more so by the stories they tell about marriage and family life in a virtually unknown part of the world.

"For me, no single artefact can represent the Silk Road and its many cultures better than a Suzani."

The exhibition starts on 20 June and continues throughout the year.

It is the first time Sir William`s entire collection of Suzanis has been displayed together.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/nolpda/ukfs_news/hi/newsid_7461000/7461272.stm