Polychrome Embroidered Suzani with Archway

A ruijo is a special kind of suzani which has a distinctive arch design and plain central field. This example is unusual, however, in that it is embroidered on both sides. Ruijo were made to lie across the bridal bed and so had a particularly important function within the bridal dowry. That this ruijo shows stains should not be seen as a defect. Instead, this wedding-bed sheet, like much Islamic art, was made for practical use. Visible wear and tear is a testament to its history of use as a furnishing and brings us that much closer to the essence of what a Suzani is.