Epirus embroidered coverlet, 4’10" x 5', early 18th century, with a repeat design of large heraldic birds facing alternating light blue and light green vases of flowers. One of the many charms of early Greek island embroideries is that we can witness in them the synthesis of a sophisticated Ottoman floral design vocabulary within ancient Greek figural folk art tradition. And where the big birds are not, the Ottoman flowers are–––tulips, strings of hyacinths, and carnations, etc. Notice, also, how elegantly the corners are turned. At some point in its history (probably late 19th century), this piece’s plain linen center must have been damaged, and was replaced with burgundy-colored velvet. As strange a choices as velvet is for backing fabric, the use of such heavy cloth probably saved this beautiful and artistically significant embroidery from being cut up and turned into pillows, or worse, destroyed altogether.
Skinner, Boston
Auction 2713b
March 22, 2014, 12:00pm est
Lot: 139
For more information visit...
http://m.skinnerinc.com/auctions/2713B?utm_source=rugrabbit&utm_medium=w...