Greece, Northern Sporades Islands, Lesbos, Mytilene

The designation Greece, Northern Sporades Islands, Lesbos, Mytilene refers to a regional center of textile production active during the 18th century, spanning approximately 1700 to 1801. Workshops operating in the Mytilene area on the island of Lesbos developed a tradition centered on functional and decorative textiles.

The surviving documentation associated with this region, held in major Western institutions, provides insight into the nature of their production. Six such textile objects are represented in museum collections, confirming the historic importance of the workshop tradition. These items are permanently held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The documented works consist primarily of domestic textiles, specifically five examples of Towel and one Scarf. Such historical textiles, originating from centers in Greece, Northern Sporades Islands, Lesbos, Mytilene, often feature complex weaving techniques and embroidered designs. Documentation of these patterns, available today as high-quality prints, ensures the preservation of these cultural artifacts. Many works from this era are now in the public domain, aiding scholarly access.