Friday, May 25, 2007

Suzanis and Molas - Textile Heaven to Me


I have recently acquired a charming little mola of a toothy cat - everytime I look at him I have to laugh, he's so silly with that curly tail! Molas are bits and pieces of Panamanian and Guatemalan applique'd embroidery; they're very colorful and usually have many many tiny stitches sewing the layers together. The subjects of modern molas can be just about anything the artists have been thinking of - two pears, abstract birds, lightning bolts, a comment on Mickey Mouse, etc. This little guy measures 9 inches by 10 inches.
I also have a passion for Uzbek suzanis - suzanis are large silk embroideries usually done in panels that are then sewn back together. This one is from Bukara, a city which has long fascinated me, and measures 85 inches by 60 inches. Many suzani are red flowers of different types sewn on a background of cream or white. Pomegranates figure prominently as do rosettes, carnations and various other flowers from that part of the world.

2 comments:

dawn said...

You mean all those red flowers are embroidered by hand? Wow, interesting. I've never seen those. I have seen molas...you've got a cute one there.

Tini said...

Both pieces, as different as they are, are great pieces of art and craftsmenship! Great purchases! I bet that little kitty makes you smile!