A SUZANI TERMEH PANEL
Yazd, Iran, dated 1893

The rectangular suzani termeh panel twill tapestry-woven in coloured wools with repeating rows of left-facing buti, the corner embroidered in white silk with a phrase regarding the special commission of the product, and a blessing relating to a wedding, dated 1310 AH (1893 AD), the border applied with silver metal thread wound around a cotton core, forming a floral repeat, edged with silver fringe, lined in dark jade green satin silk, 120cm x 83cm.

This type of suzani, not to be confused with the Central Asian needlework hangings of the same name, is the companion piece to a boccha in a Persian bride’s trousseau: whereas the square-shaped boccha is used to carry the fresh clothes of the young bride to the hammam in a neat bundle, the rectangular suzani is used as a floor-spread for her as she gets dressed after her toilette. Cut from the same shawl cloth, they would have been carried on a large tray on the head of a manservant marching ahead to and from the hammam. Both indoors and outdoors, they signified the lady’s status and style for all to observe.