The following is a selection of fine and unusual Suzani and other tapestries, kilims, saddle bags, tribal weavings and, if in stock, Arts & Crafts pieces. Updated 13/6/2019
A beautiful, striking wall hanging woven in naturally dyed silk, resist-dyed and put together in panels. In excellent condition, complete with its original Russian printed backing fabric. For further info on this piece, click Recent Acquisitions, and scroll down.
€2900
A very pleasing, small ("nim") suzani, with fine hand embroidery of silk in a variety of traditional local stitch techniques. Suzani were mainly woven by Uzbec women in preparation for marriage, normally in a much larger size suited for display as a luxurious spread for the bridal bed. Smaller "nim" suzanis were intended for children's beds, only for the same important occasion.
In very good condition throughout, some outer embroidery expertly and almost invisibly restored. Suzanis like this make wonderful wall hangings.
€2900
A stunningly beautiful, rare example of the wonderful 19th C Uzbec Suzani tapestries that are now actively collected worldwide. In very good condition apart from a few minor spots of slight surface wear along upper border. For further info on this piece, click Recent Acquisitions and scroll down.
€11500
This idyllic pastoral scene is drawn in the manner of Francois Boucher (1703-1770), a distinguished painter who also produced cartoons for the Beauvais ateliers in France, modified versions of which were later woven in Aubusson. This charming example is finely woven in wool and silk, the yarns dyed with natural dyes of good quality compared to pieces from the late 19th C which were prone to fading.
In excellent, original and virtually repair free condition, of a very desirable size. A closely related piece was sold by Sotheby's of London in February 1996, Lot 68, as part of the important Vigo-Sternberg tapestry collection.
€6200
A beautiful, calm kilim that would make a lovely wall hanging as well as be strong enough for the floor (with underlay). For further info on this piece, click Recent Acquisitions, and scroll down.
€1800
These powerful kilims were woven over a large area generically known as Azerbaijan, probably by semi-nomadic Shah Savan tribespeople. Some have borders all around and others, like this example, simply feature broad, horizontal bands with powerful rams' horn motifs. The brilliant, natural colours combined with open spaces and bold motifs create a stunning effect, unlike almost any other Oriental textiles.
Most of these kilims were displayed on walls as the main feature in the home - this piece still has its original hanging loops along one long side. In perfect condition apart from a tiny spot of restoration in the centre.
€2900
A beautiful, striking kilim with excellent natural colours, spontaneously drawn in horisontal bands without an outside border - a common feature of kilim weaving in NW Persia and SE Caucasus. Solid weave structure with dove tailing, slit tapestry and additional weft float embroidery in details. Woven on cotton warp making it a robust, hard wearing piece. In excellent condition throughout.
€1800
This beautiful large wall bagface features a non-Turkoman design originally from Persia (known there as the Mina Khani). In its original form the tendrils are curvilinear whereas here they are straightened out in more regimented Turkoman tribal style, making it one of the rare floral designs of the Turkoman repertoire. Finely woven in excellent quality wool it also features several colours of silk in the central flowerheads - hence clearly designed for decoration rather than utilitarian tribal use.
Unusually large for its type, beautifully drawn with a particularly attractive lower panel. In very good condition it still has its original side cords, good pile and original lower end. The upper end has been rebound and there are a few minute spots of red dye run visible only from the back.
A similar example is illustrated in The Textile Museum, Washington, Turkmen tribal carpets and traditions, Pl 89.
€2900
The "azmalyk" were woven in an identical pair by some of the Turkoman subtribes as part of dowry. The exact purpose was to decorate the camel carrying the young bride, an azmalyk displayed on each side below her saddle, the bride herself completely covered in textiles so as to be invisible until confronted with her husband (possibly for the first time). We have the pair available.
€1900.- each or 3500.- the pair
Chuval was one of several hand knotted bags intended for storage of household utensils during camps in migration. They were also among the most popular dowry and wedding gifts from family and fellow tribespeople, resulting in most newly wedded Yomut families owning a collection of such bags. Only a small number would ever be used, the majority stored away and kept as valuable assets for the future.
This beautiful pair are complete and in perfect condition, their most recent owners having had them displayed on a wall as works of tribal art. Woven on goats' hair warp, finely knotted at 170/sq inch, free of repairs or alterations.
€1600 each or € 3000 the pair.
