The rugs and textiles I present here have been gathered from mainland Greece and some of the many outlying Islands, all have a story and most are unique. From the highly decorative wool and cotton kelims to the simple goat hair rugs made by goatherds in the mountains they provide an unusual decorative aspect to a modern or traditional home.

Many of the patterns can be identified according to their place of origin. Although styles and designs were transmitted either through commerce or marriage, particularly in the islands, strong regional patterns and techniques were preserved.

A Greek legend says that when God created the world, he sifted all the soil onto the earth through a strainer. After every country had good soil, he tossed the stones left in the strainer over his shoulder and created Greece. So it is that many of the dyes used in the making of rugs and textiles are earth colours while the brighter colours are made from berries and indigenous hardy plants. Wool, cotton and goat hair are the most commonly used in the making of the rugs.

Embroidered folk art motifs filled a need for ornament and were incorporated into everyday household objects and decorative rugs and textiles would be part of a woman’s dowry. Indeed I have even found unused dowry examples over 70 years old.

A Greek legend says that when God created the world, he sifted all the soil onto the earth through a strainer. After every country had good soil, he tossed the stones left in the strainer over his shoulder and created Greece.

I hope you enjoy browsing through my finds and please don’t hesitate to contact me should you have any questions.