Lefkara Lace

Two stamps from Cyprus showing examples of Lefkara lace. Two stamps from Cyprus showing examples of Lefkara lace.

Lefkara lace, also known as Lefkaritika and Lefkaritika lace, is a form of pulled thread embroidery with satin stitch details. It is often classed as a form of embroidered lace. Lefkaritika lace originally comes from the village of Lefkara, Cyprus, and is locally called tayiadha (compare Italian punto tagliato).

Lefkara lace is said to originate from the time of the Venetian occupation of Cyprus (1489-1571), when reticella work was introduced to the island and local women copied the lace’s appearance in a different technique. Older and ‘traditional’ forms of Lefkara lace are made on linen and worked in white, cream or ecru silk threads. More recent examples use DMC stranded or perlé cotton threads.

Designs used for Lefkara lace generally consist of geometric trellises enclosing stylised plant designs and geometric patterns. The work is always reversible. Lefkara lace was used on garments such as bodices, blouses, cloaks, etc. Modern versions tend to be used for runners, table cloths, panels and covers of various forms.

Digital source (retrieved 6th May 2016).

GVE

Last modified on Sunday, 07 May 2017 12:04
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