Epirus Curtain Fragment

Epirus is part of mainland Greece, but its embroideries are unlike the work done elsewhere in mainland Greece and other neighboring Balkan countries. On the other hand, Epirus embroideries have a lot in common with Greek Island embroideries, particularly Skyros work, therefore it makes sense to deal with them in this context.

Epirus was the largest textile Center in the Balkans, producing uniforms and court garments for most of the Balkan countries all the way to Hungary as well as Anatolia.

It also produced lovely embroideries that were either floral or figurative with people, birds, animals and botanical themes. These embroideries were very detailed, including facial and dress specifics. The fashion details enable to determine the age of the embroideries. Embroideries for ritual sheets were done along the edges, and the unadorned center was replaced through generations of usage.

This fragment, most likely part of a curtain features a large antlered deer, typically to Epirus work with dotted hide. It is surrounded by smaller deer, birds, stars and flowers. Selvedged sides and meandering borders on three sides indicate a vertical scheme. Polychrome silk split stitch on linen.