Embroidered cotton liturgical vestment
Byzantine and Christian Museum, Athens, GreeceMaterial: Cotton, silk thread
Date range: 18th-19th century AD
Origin: Unknown (likely Byzantine or post-Byzantine tradition)
A close-up of a large section of a cotton liturgical vestment (sticharion), which is richly decorated with detailed embroidery in silk thread.
The main field of the vestment is divided into a grid pattern. The center features a large depiction of a crowned female figure (possibly the Virgin Mary or a saint like Damiana) enthroned under an arch, holding a large object, flanked by ornate crosses and smaller decorative elements.
Surrounding the central image are numerous square panels, each containing a stylized standing figure of a female saint. The full vestment includes a representation of a female saint, flanked by 40 female saints.
The embroidery primarily uses dark red/maroon and white/silver silk thread,.
Above the main grid, there is a large, ornate floral or cross motif embroidered in the same colors.
Museum label reference: Cotton liturgical vestment (sticharion) with representation of a female saint (Damiana?) flanked by 40 female saints. Embroidered with silk thread. 18th-19th c. BXM 527
Supplementary images:
Cotton liturgical vestment (sticharion) with embroidery of the Virgin Mary and saints
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