Art Institute of Chicago

Mihrab or Jai-namaz Suzani

Bukhara Khanate (in present day Uzbekistan)

Date

18th century

Medium

Linen, plain weave; pieced; embroidered with silk

Culture

Uzbekistan

Department

Textiles

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Suzanis, from the Persian (Farsi) term suzan , meaning needle, are large, hand-embroidered textiles traditionally made by women in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as part of a bride’s dowry. Larger examples [see 2019.794] would have been used as a wall hanging or bed cover. Bukhāra, Uzbekistan, is well-known for the suzani style with its embroidered frame, as displayed on this example. This arch-like design represents a mihrab, the niche in a mosque that indicates the direction of Makkah (Mecca) for Muslim prayers. When hanging near an entryway, a mihrab suzani serves to welcome guests.

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