Pillow Cover

The Pillow Cover by an artist originating from Greece, possibly Crete, dating from 1601-1700, is a masterful example of early modern Greek textile production. This functional yet highly decorative piece is composed of cotton utilizing a plain weave structure. Its striking visual complexity is achieved through detailed embroidery executed with luxurious silk thread. The specific technique employed is running stitches, often referred to as pattern darning, a precise method that creates geometric patterns by varying the length and placement of stitches within the ground fabric structure.

The strong attribution to Crete suggests this textile belongs to a robust tradition of dowry and household adornment found throughout the Greek islands and the eastern Mediterranean during the 17th century. Textiles from this region often feature highly stylized motifs, blending European, Ottoman, and indigenous Greek influences characteristic of the period. The precise, dense application of silk embroidery highlights the skilled craftsmanship required to produce domestic items of such quality. The intricate patterns typical of textile tradition in Greece transformed ordinary cotton into luxury objects suitable for display in wealthy homes.

This significant work is preserved in the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The historical importance and aesthetic beauty of this seventeenth-century artifact ensure its continued study. High-resolution images of the Pillow Cover are often made available through public domain initiatives, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide to access and study prints of this important example of Cretan material culture.