The atlas of world embroidery: a global exploration of heritage and styles

Abstract

"A richly illustrated history of embroidery and needlework, showcasing the glorious range of styles, motifs, and materials used around the world. Embroidery is one of the world's most popular and diverse forms of creative expression. It can be found in every region, yet its visual languages, themes, and techniques vary greatly. The Atlas of World Embroidery examines many distinctive embroidery styles and traditions found across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. From the quillwork and birch boxes of Indigenous North America to the decorative matyo style of Hungary, the zardozi embroiderers of India, and the satin stitches of Han Dynasty China, Gillian Vogelsang-Eastwood provides a comprehensive history of embroidery, describing its materials and tools, its designs and symbols, and its uses and makers. Organized geographically by region and country, and focusing on hand needlework with relevant examples of machine forms, The Atlas of World Embroidery is a beautiful and authoritative exploration of this ancient craft"-- Page 4 of cover.

Contents

Section one: an introduction to world embroidery. -- What is embroidery? -- Materials and techniques -- Tools and equipment -- Section two: the atlas of world embroidery. -- The Americas -- Europe -- Sub-Saharan Africa -- North Africa and the Middle East -- Turkey, the Iranian Plateau, and Central Asia -- The Indian subcontinent -- East Asia -- Southeast Asia and Oceania.