Embroidered Cover

Algeria is famous for its floral embroidery used for scarves, blouses, bath towels, hangings and curtains. After Algiers was incorporated into the Ottoman empire in the early 1500s, its embroidery began to show many similarities to that of Istanbul and Smyrna. Its floral motifs are similar to the pomegranate or artichoke patterns but also influenced by Persian, Syrian and Italian work. Tulips, carnations, hyacinths and wild roses were all recurrent motifs. Counted brick stitch with blocs of colors outlined in black silk, all done on dense plain weave cotton ground.