Beautifully illustrated and filled with meticulous details, this reference work reflects the intricacy of a spectacular art form. Researched and compiled by Paine (Embroidery from Afghanistan), a notable expert on textiles and tribal societies, the book is made up of four major sections-"Guide to Identification," "Decorative Power of Cult," "Religion and Its Patterns," and "Magic Source of Protection"-which richly display the diversity of items embroidered by different societies and cultures. Each of the items displayed falls into one of the categories of function, motif, symbolism, social indicators or status, and placement of embroidery. The illustrations show the variety of textiles and clothing, from kimonos, sarongs, and saris to purses, bonnets, and napkins, as well as the intricacy of pattern, the delicacy of design, the infusion of color, and the richness of techniques and materials. Also included are a glossary of terms and a dictionary of stitches. This updated and expanded edition of the 1990 title Embroidered Textiles: Traditional Patterns from Five Continents is highly recommended for all types of libraries; also useful in supplementing resources on world cultures.
