Paperback, colour and black and white illustrations, 240 pages, 240mm x H280mm
The art of embroidery has been practiced for thousands of years. In the
West, traditions have been at the mercy of trade and fashion, but in
other regions embroidery continues to be rooted in ancient beliefs and
superstitions. This beautifully illustrated book examines in detail the
fascinating symbolism of the motifs and patterns that give life to
these traditional textiles from around the world.
The global
range is as remarkable as the variety of materials and motifs on
display. Each textile—from Sumatran sarong to Ghanaian banner to Native
American pouch and Guatemalan trousers—bears its own distinctive
designs.
The book covers all aspects of the subject: key
regional items, cuts, fabrics, stitches, and mythological, religious,
and spiritual symbols. Complete with a glossary, a dictionary of
stitches, and information on public collections as well as how to
collect textiles of one’s own, this is an unrivaled guide for anyone
interested in textiles, costume, or craft.