Summary

Set of eight Kariatilei work napkins, made in the 1960s and given to Irene Soumilas by her parents. Irene migrated to Australia at the age of 19 in 1958 from the Greek Island of Lefkas to be married in 1959. Her dowry travelled in two trunks by ship, although she travelled by air. She also received gifts from friends and family once in Australia of textiles and clothing from Greece. The style of embroidery on these napkins is known as Kariatilei work as it comes from the village of Karia on the Greek island of Lefkas.

Physical Description

Set of 9 square napkins in pale yellow starched linen, featuring gold embroidery. Napkins feature an embroidered border of a repeating geometric pattern and pulled threadwork. The embroidered design in one corner features geometric motifs in embroidery and pulled threadwork.

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