This tray is created by woodwork artisans in the Philippines with our Bright Botanical Suzani fabric. This archival print is of a suzani embroidery, which is a classic Central Asian textile characterized by flowers and meandering vines, made with a tambour hook. A specialist known as a chizmachi draws out the suzani pattern, then each fabric strip is given to an embroiderer, and finally the finished pieces are sewn back together. The result is a grand work created by several hands, producing charming irregularities and subtle mismatches that balance out the precision of the stitch. The flower designs seen here are symbolic of fertility and fruitfulness. These textiles are traditionally used as wall hangings or as a woman's marriage dowry. The suzani's decorative embroidery is also thought to possess a protective element.
