Embroidery takes many forms and many directions depending on the culture, the time period and the people involved in the discipline. On the whole, European embroidery, and Armenian is no different in this respect, tends to be split into two main subject headings, domestic and religious.
Domestic embroidery was usually dominated by floral and abstract interwoven patterns, with the intermittent use of animals, both real and mythical. Domestic embroidery could come in the form of household or costume. Household items were often in the form of tablecloths, runners and furniture protectors, but could also include covers for books, food and small carriers for precious items. Some were for everyday use while others were used only on special occasions. Costume embroidery tended to be more elaborate and smaller in scale, as it was often used for collars and cuffs, but could also be incorporated on a much larger scale for national costumes, which would be used on specific days of the year.
Religious embroidery was used extensively by the Armenian Church, particularly for the embellishment of religious vestments and were often produced by professional embroiderers, rather than the many amateur embroiderers involved in the domestic market. Vestment embroidery patterns usually incorporated the cross and other symbols of religious significance, but again, as in the domestic embroidery, floral patterns and motifs were extensively used. The threads used were usually of a much higher standard than that of domestic embroidery, with the use of silk and precious metal threads being relatively common.
Armenian embroidery was not necessarily a uniformly nationalistic one, as many areas of the country had their own distinctive styles and techniques. These different and individual styles can often still be identified and attributed to the distinct areas, even though many of them are now produced well outside their original territories.
Armenian embroidery was not necessarily a uniformly nationalistic one, as many areas of the country had their own distinctive styles and techniques. These different and individual styles can often still be identified and attributed to the distinct areas, even though many of them are now produced well outside their original territories.
The images shown here are from the Soviet Unions contribution towards the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris. The Soviet Union showed a substantially large proportion of traditional embroidery techniques and styles from all over the Union featuring individual republics. It may seem odd to include traditional pattern work within an exposition that emphasised the modern, but the Soviet Union was by no means the only country contributing traditional cultural styles and techniques to the exposition.
Anyone interested in the different styles that go to make up Armenian embroidery, and would even be prepared to learn some of the basic Armenian embroidery techniques, might well like to take a look at the website entirely devoted to the subject which can be found here.
Armenian embroidery is still being produced today, within the Armenian republic itself, but also within the much larger worldwide Armenian community. The techniques and styles that go to make up the distinctive national embroidery of the culture, has now become part of the rich history of the medium itself. A contribution that has added invaluable creative input into the world of traditional embroidery.
Anyone interested in the different styles that go to make up Armenian embroidery, and would even be prepared to learn some of the basic Armenian embroidery techniques, might well like to take a look at the website entirely devoted to the subject which can be found here.
Further reading links:
Embroidery: Traditional Designs, Techniques, and Patterns from All over the World
Armenian Embroidery website
Armenian Embroidery - Echoes from the Past [Haigagan Aseghnakordzoutioun]
Armenian Needlelace and Embroidery: A Preservation of Some of History's Oldest and Finest Needlework
Marashi (Marash) Aseghnakordzoutioun (Marash Armenian Embroidery) in Armenian
Armenian Rugs: Fabric of a Culture
Treasures in Heaven: Armenian Illuminated Manuscripts
