Suzani Pillow Case, Cushion Cover, Embroidered Crocheted Pillow, Handmade

True to the needle origin of the Persian word suzani, these pillows are embroidered with traditional floral motifs in richly colored patterns that define this historic style. Suzani comes from the Persian word for needle, & the word refers to embroidered hangings or fabric coverings, generally a meter & a half wide (4-5') but sometimes much more. The birthplace of suzani is in what is now Uzbekistan, the area along the Silk Roads that interconnected the cultures of Europe, Turkey & China with the Muslim world. Islam came to this area in the eighth century, & over time splendid cities arose there: among them Bukhara, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz & Khiva. Central Asia has always been a land of textiles. The lives of nomads & settled peoples alike have always been hard, & the landscape is often bleak, but women have long decorated every object they could-prayer rugs, saddlecloths, cradle covers, mirror cases, yurt bands, tent flaps, salt bags & gift wraps-with weaving, embroidery & applique in wool, silk, cotton or felt. As children, nomad & village girls alike began putting together dowries to show the community their skill & industriousness, & throughout their lives their textiles were a principal means of expression & of control of their immediate environment, be it a house, a tent or a yurt. The textiles were also, if needed, an economic resource, for fine pieces could be sold, & city people often commissioned work from the village women. Embroidered on pure cotton. Insert is not included. Dry clean recommended. This pillow case does have a zipper in the back. Origin: Uzbek Materials: Silk Approximate length: 40 cm (16 inches) Approximate width: 40 cm (16 inches) Weight in kg: 0.1 kg Standard shipping within Canada free! Wholesale orders are welcome! Bulk orders get 20% discount. Suzani Pillow Case, Cushion Cover, Embroidered Crocheted Pillow, Handmade