This fall, Suzani rugs, pillows, blankets and more are sure to take center stage, so, before this craze is unleashed, I consider it my duty as a décor dilettante to explore its origin and history. Suzani is much more than just a trend; it represents centuries of Central Asian culture.
In generations past, the art of Suzani was a family tradition, similar to the patchwork quilt, and each female contributed a creative hand to produce their treasured heirlooms. These Suzanis were commonly designed to depict motifs representative of the Ottoman Empire, such as tulips and grapevines. Vibrant colors brought the images on these masterpieces to life through the use of natural, vegetable-based dyes.
So, how are these intricate works of art made? As it turns out, the process is as elaborate as the patterns that adorn each Suzani. Several strips of fabric, usually silk or cotton, are basted together, and the desired pattern is then drawn onto this amalgamation of textiles. While authentic Suzanis were printed on neutral-hued fabrics, today’s versions incorporate more colorful backdrops. When the basting stitches are removed, each family member carefully stitches their portion of the design. In fact, the term Suzani derived from the Persian word for needle because these gorgeous, functional creations require painstakingly-detailed embroidery. Once all of the pieces are complete, they are reassembled to form stunning Suzanis.
This centuries-old tradition has yet to lose its impact. Suzanis of the past continue to inspire designers of the present with their awe-inspiring detail and eco-friendly appeal. Among my favorites of these replications, the Suzani bench at VivaTerra is timelessly stylish and 100% green, made from organic cotton, sustainable sheesham wood and natural, non-toxic dyes. If you truly fancy this fad, make sure that you check out the Suzani pillows as well. (Available in narrow and wide at sponsor VivaTerra for $395- $895.)