Vintage Uzbek Suzani Kilim Rug (173 x 230cm) – Handwoven Embroidered Flatweave

A richly coloured and beautifully time-softened vintage Uzbek Suzani kilim, handwoven and hand-embroidered with bold floral medallions. A striking Central Asian textile that works equally well as a characterful floor rug or as dramatic wall-hung textile art.

Key Features

• Authentic vintage Uzbek Suzani-style kilim rug

• Handwoven flatweave cotton ground with traditional wool embroidery

• Classic rosette / quatrefoil floral medallion design

• Decorative vine scroll border framing the central field

• Beautiful palette of reds, indigo blues, greens and ochre tones

• Visible panel joins typical of traditional Central Asian loom weaving

• Ideal versatile size for modern interiors

• Suitable for use as a floor rug or statement wall hanging

• Rich in texture, symbolism, and decorative impact

Full Description

This beautiful vintage Uzbek Suzani kilim rug is a wonderful example of Central Asian textile tradition, combining a sturdy handwoven flatweave base with expressive hand embroidery in the Suzani style. The name Suzani comes from the Persian word suzan meaning “needle”, reflecting the long heritage of embroidered household textiles made across Uzbekistan and neighbouring Silk Road regions.

Historically, suzanis were created for the home, often associated with dowries and celebrations, designed to bring warmth, colour and meaning into everyday life. Kilim-based examples like this offered a more practical format, making them ideal for domestic use while still carrying the decorative richness of embroidery.

The design features repeated four-lobed floral medallions, often interpreted as stylised garden blooms. In Uzbek textile tradition, these motifs are associated with prosperity, abundance, renewal and harmony within the household. The surrounding vine and scroll border adds movement and balance, creating a framed composition that feels both decorative and protective.

The colour palette is especially appealing: vibrant yet naturally mellowed with age, reflecting the historic preference for bold tones in Central Asian interiors. These bright colours were traditionally symbolic of joy and celebration, and would have stood out beautifully against pale plastered walls and simple furnishings.

Today, this piece offers wonderful versatility. It can be styled as a distinctive floor rug, layered for a relaxed collected look, or hung as textile wall art where the embroidery becomes a striking focal point above a sofa, bed or fireplace.

If you love richly patterned textiles with history and soul, this rug sits beautifully within our wider collection of vintage rugs and decorative textiles, each chosen for craftsmanship and timeless interior appeal.

Dimensions

• Length: 230 cm

• Width: 173 cm

Materials

• Handwoven cotton flatweave ground

• Traditional wool embroidery

• Joined loom-woven panels

• Traditional edge finishing

Condition

Good vintage condition with authentic age-related character.

• Light to moderate wear consistent with age

• Some gentle abrasion to raised embroidery in places (typical for Suzani kilims)

• Soft fading and mellowing of colour adds depth and authenticity

• No obvious heavy modern repairs visible

If using on the floor, we recommend an underlay. If displayed as a wall hanging, secure support (rod, baton or velcro hanging strip) is advised due to the weight of the woven base.

Origin / Period

• Origin: Uzbekistan, Central Asia

• Period: Mid to late 20th century (circa 1950s–1970s)

• Style: Suzani tradition / embroidered kilim

Styling Suggestions

• Layer over sisal or jute for a warm bohemian interior look

• Ideal beneath a coffee table to anchor a seating area

• Beautiful in bedrooms beside the bed or at the foot of a vintage frame

• Hang above a sofa or fireplace as vibrant textile wall art

• Complements antique oak, walnut, leather, rattan and brass finishes

FAQ

Is this an authentic vintage Uzbek textile?

Yes, this is a genuine vintage Central Asian kilim with hand embroidery in the Suzani tradition, not a modern reproduction.

Can it be used as a wall hanging?

Absolutely. Its bold medallion design and strong colours make it ideal as textile wall art. Due to its woven base, it should be hung with proper support.

Can it be used on the floor?

Yes. It was historically designed for domestic use, though an underlay is recommended to preserve the embroidery.

What do the motifs represent?

The floral medallions and vine motifs are traditionally associated with prosperity, abundance, renewal and protection of the home.

Unique Points 

• Handwoven and hand-embroidered vintage Uzbek craftsmanship

• Rich Silk Road design language with symbolic floral medallions

• Practical flatweave structure with decorative raised embroidery

• Versatile use as a rug or wall hanging

• One-of-a-kind textile with genuine age and patina