Embroidery of the Greek Islands and Epirus Region

Unique in its diversity within a small region, the embroidery of the Epirus region of Greece and the islands of the Aegean and Ionian Seas provides an insightful look at the relationships between textiles and culture. The geographical position of the area along trade routes opened the region to many influences, including Venetian, Ottoman, Greek and Italian, from the 17th to the 19th centuries. The textiles were created by brides and their families for their dowries, and include colourfully-embroidered bed tents, bed curtains, large covers, pillows, handkerchiefs and panels from women's clothing. Designs range from geometrical patterns to whimsical floral and animal motifs in a range of colors and designs, using a variety of techniques. This new study characterises the embroidery by its design as well as geography, examining the motifs and structural characteristics with exquisitely presented new photography. Published to accompany an exhibition at the Textile Museum in Washington, DC, this volum