During the Byzantine period, the art of weaving costly textiles for the European market, mainly for ecclesiastical use, was centered in Constantinople, but after the Crusades, when Cyprus became the only secular Latin stronghold in the eastern Mediterranean and a prosperous commercial centre, the tradition of making valuable textiles and embroideries became concentrated here.
It is, however, the period of the Venetian occupation (1489-1571) which produced “Lefkaritika”, a form of needlework which has survived and flourished in almost its original form to present day. This type of drawn and counted thread embroidery, famous all over the world, is made by the women of the village of Lefkara in the province of Larnaca in the south of the island. This village, high in the mountains, was the principal summer resort of wealthy Venetians and the local women would have come into close daily contact with their household linen. With their keen minds, sharp eyes and deft fingers, soon copied and adapted the old Italian white needlework containing the cut-work, drawn thread-work and reticella fillings common in Italy, particularly in Venice, during the 16th century. The local name of cut-work in the Lefkara embroidery is “tayiadha”, derived from the Italian “punto-tagliato”. The Lefkara women created beautiful bodices, dresses and cloaks, not only in linen but also in silk.
It is even reputed that Leonardo da Vinci, on a visit to Cyprus, was very impressed by the Lefkara women’s adaptation of Venetian embroidery. He is said to have taken a piece of work with the “potamos” design on it back to Italy to grace the altar in Milan Cathedral. This design is known today as the “Leonardo da Vinci design”.
Since that time the men of the village have traveled extensively throughout Greece, Europe and even America selling the work. Their wives, meanwhile, were left at home to embroider and to look after the family. Now, modern communication makes the men’s lives much easier, they no longer have to travel the world to sell their wares. Furthermore, tourism has created an obvious outlet for selling Lefkara lace.
The original Lefkara Lace comes only in a few designs, not more than 10. Unfortunately, many immitation products can be found around the island or abroad. To recognise the original Lefkara lace, have in mind the following:
• It is made on Irish linen from North Ireland.
• French thread is used, namely DMC, cotton perlé.
• This thread comes only in three colours: White, brown and ecru.
• Lefkara lace is reversible, meaning it can be viewed from both sides.
The Lefkara ladies use only the traditional designs, which they learned from mother to daughter.
Twenty to twenty-five years ago you could find original Lefkara lace in lace shops in various town around the island. Nowadays, it is difficult to find this original craftwork anywhere else except the village of Lefkara, since less ladies are making lace today and their production never has the chance to leave Lefkara as it is sold on the spot.
FTF honours and congratulations to Kardy & DJayD
18 JUL 2010
