Part of a valance

Unknown

18th century · Silk on cotton · European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Epirus was an important textile production center in the Balkans. Commercial embroidery made there in great volume for distribution throughout much of the Ottoman empire represents a mainland tradition. But Epirus was also the source of domestic embroideries that are similar to Aegean work. This bolster cover from Epirus is closely related to Greek island embroideries. Featuring three groups of horsemen and attendants amid small-scale birds, animals, vases of flowers, and double-arched structures, the cover was part of the furnishings for a bed or sofa.

Artist

Unknown

Date

18th century

Medium

Silk on cotton

Culture

Greek, Ionian Islands or Epirus

Department

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

Credit line

Gift of George D. Pratt, 1931