off-white

The blouse is made from off-white cotton. It features a high, ruffled collar with subtle lace and decorative trim around the edges. The upper chest area is adorned with detailed pintucks (narrow pleats) arranged in a chevron or "V" pattern, extending from the shoulders down toward the center. Eyelet embroidery is visible above the pin tucked sections, adding texture and a decorative touch. A row of small buttons runs down the center of the blouse. The sleeves are full-length and slightly loose, with narrow cuffs that are decorated with small pin tucks and some embroidery. The cuffs appear to close with small buttons or a simple hemmed finish.

The skirt is made of lightweight fabric, cotton, matching the blouse in its cream or off-white tone. It has a grid-like checkered or plaid pattern, which is subtle but visible. The skirt is gathered at the waist, providing volume and a flowing silhouette. It is ankle-length and the hemline has a wide plain band, adding weight to the bottom and creating a clean finish.

Blouse with intricate lace details, likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. The blouse is made of an off-white silk.  The blouse has a high, rounded neckline with a delicate lace trim that extends into a shawl-like collar. These lace panels are highly detailed, with a combination of floral and geometric motifs. The lace edges have a scalloped design. A central tied bow is located just below the lace collar, drawing attention to the chest. The back mirrors the front in its lace and pleat detailing. The lace shawl-style collar drapes over the shoulders, extending towards the middle of the back. The fabric's striped texture is prominent, and pleats add subtle volume. The sleeves are long and slightly loose-fitting, narrowing toward the lace-trimmed cuffs. The lace cuffs flare out slightly, creating a ruffled, layered appearance. The cuffs also feature lace inserts that mirror the design of the collar and chest area.

This ensemble likely served as every day or semi-formal wear. It is a two-piece outfit that appears to be from the late 19th or early 20th century. The blouse is light yellow with long puffed sleeves, detailed with lace trimmings on the cuffs and the collar area. The fabric has a slightly shiny or patterned texture, indicating it is made of silk. The collar is high, adorned with an elaborate lace overlay. The back view shows gathering at the waist, giving the blouse a fitted silhouette. The lace detailing continues on the collar and cuffs, consistent with the front view. The skirt is a light cream or off-white color, extending to ankle length. It features subtle paneling and light pleats near the bottom hem, adding structure and movement.

ΜΓ 679

Long, long-sleeved foustanin of cotton alatzia with fine blue stripes against a white ground. Four rows of single green threads run between every pair of stripes.

The dress comprises a bodice and a skirt, joined at the waist with a waistband. It mirrors the design of the preceeding dresses. The bodice consists of two panels at the front, one on either side of the breast, joined to the back pieces with seams on the shoulders and under the armpits. At the back, two bias-cut pieces of fabric, 12 cm wide, diagonally placed, frame a six-sided central segment with vertical stripes that flares out towards the shoulders. The joints between the different segments are accentuated with double machine stitching using black thread. A band with a continuous zig-zag line decorates the base of the six-sided segment, above the waistband.

The round neckline is reinforced with a fine trimming band of the same fabric, with the stripes of the woven textile in horizontal arrangement, hand-sewn and, higher up, with black machine stitching. The opening of the neckline reaches vertically down to the breast up to the waistband (opening height: 23 cm) where it fastens with two hooks. On either side of the opening, the fabric is folded over inwards, creating a reinforced band, decorated with a waistband that includes consecutive lozenges of black machine stitching. Underneath each breast and up to the waistband, the fabric gathers in a fine pleat, sewn internally by hand with black thread and decorated externally with two rows of black machine stitching.

The 3 cm-tall waistband consists of a separate piece of fabric with the stripes of the alatzia in horizontal arrangement. The waistband extends to a 10 cm-long overlap to the left of the vertical opening, and fastens on the edge with two hooks. A 14 cm-tall opening is formed underneath the waistband, on the extension of its tip, and continues diagonally. Handmade hem using black thread runs along its edges. A continuous zig-zag line of black machine stitching decorates the entire length of the waistband.

The long sleeves are made of a single fabric piece with a seam on the external side of the arm. The stripes of the alatzia converge towards the seam, creating parallel arches. The edge of the sleeves is trimmed with hem and a decorative band that includes a continuous zig-zag line of black machine stitching.

The entire bodice (with the exception of the waistband) is lined with ready-made beige cotton fabric. The wide skirt of the dress consists of seven panels of varied widths (5x36, 1x35, 1x25 cm) gathering densely at the waist, where it is reinforced internally by two parallel, also densely gathered bands of different loom-woven striped fabrics and lining pieces (height: 4-6 cm). The dense pleats of the skirt are held in place by two parallel rows of horizontal seams made with white thread. The joint of the skirt to the waistband is handmade.

At the lower end of the skirt, an added horizontal band (fasa) of the same bias-cut alatzia fabric, is sewn along its edges with double machine stitching using black thread. Above and below it is framed by three narrow horizontal tucks (one above and two below), secured in their upper part with black machine stitching. The hem of the skirt is turned and reinforced with a band of the same fabric as the lining, 6.5 cm in height, which is secured with double black machine stitching. On the front side of the skirt, the stitching is displayed as decoration.

The varied arrangement of the striped fabric on the dress is used as a decorative element. In tandem with its practicality, machine stitching is also used for decoration.

Height: 114 cm (bodice: 33 cm up to the waistband, skirt: 81 cm).

Width: 36 cm on the shoulders, 32 cm at the waist, 125 cm around the hemline.

Length of sleeves: 44 cm.

Width of sleeves: 17 cm in the upper part and 11 cm in the lower part.

Date of entry to the Collection: 16.1.1990

Provenance: Palaiometocho, Nicosia – Purchased from Ero Farmaka.

ΜΓ 551

Women’s pantaloons of loom-woven silk-cotton (koukkoullariko) taiston fabric.

The garment repeats the pattern of the preceding two pantaloons (ΜΓ 387, ΜΓ 146). Each leg consists of two oblong fabric panels: the broader one, measuring 44 cm in width, covers the front and extends partially to the back, whereas the narrower one, measuring 20-20.5 in width, completes the inner side of the back. Α four-sided fabric panel, added diagonally at the crotch, forms two triangles, one on each side of the garment (side lengths: 43 cm, 45 cm, 44 cm and 40 cm). A 2.7 cm-tall hem casing extends along the waist.

The pantaloon legs taper in their lower part, gathering in pleats above and below a horizontal machine-stitched cotton band, 1.5 cm tall. This band is decorated with a continuous zig-zag line of double feather stitch in red. Beneath the band, the remaining leg fabric forms a 8-9 cm-tall ruffle, which features seven hand-embroidered red crosses, four at the front and three at the back. A crochet lace band edges the legs, comprising two rows of continuous rectangles, followed by successive arches that enclose smaller ones (maximum height: 3 cm). Above the lace, a fine band of dense feather stitch in red adorns the edge of the ruffle.

Height: 70 cm.

Waist width: 64 cm.

Leg width: 32 cm in the upper part, 15 cm on the added band, 29-30 cm in the lower part (lace).

Date of entry to the Collection: 30.11.1987

Provenance: Asomatos, Kyreneia – Purchased from Maroulla Ilia Frantzia.

ΜΓ 431

A man’s off-white shirt. Its front consists of fine cotton, while silk cotton taiston (with puckered bands created lengthwise by warp threads of two different tensions) made of ttira and koukkoulli yarns, is used for the long sleeves, the collar, the back and the yoke.

The front is composed of two cotton panels, 40 cm wide at the bottom, with seams beneath the armpits and at the extension of the vertical opening, which reaches at a height of 36 cm from the base of the collar downwards. Plackets of added or folded over strips of fabric, 1.8-2 cm wide, are machine-stitched on both sides of the opening. Placed on them are seven ready-made white buttons and corresponding handmade buttonholes. An eighth buttonhole is found on the neckline. On both sides of the opening, next to the placket, there extends a 5.5 cm wide panel of needlework (cutwork embroidery, filled with silk thread stitches), featuring opposite-facing wavy lines as the main decorative motif. Τhe needlework is lined with fine transparent fabric, plain yellowish silk on one side and silk-cotton taiston on the other. The needlework section, across both sides of the vertical opening, is flanked by parallel vertical tucks, three pairs and a single one on either side. Under the tucks and the breast opening the fabric gathers in free pleats. 

The pointed collar (maximum height: 7.5 cm) consists of machine-sewn double fabric. Its inside is made of two halves, with a handmade joint at the centre of the back side, widthways. The stand of the collar, 1.5-2 cm in height, is sewn with machine stitching(?) in the upper part and handmade in the lower. The hand-sewn yoke, extending across the shoulders behind the collar, consists of a single strip of taiston fabric (length: 46 cm, height: 8 cm) with the ruffled bands in horizontal arrangement. It is lined with plain cotton fabric.

The back of the chemise consists of four panels, two on either side. The upper panels (height: 52 cm, width: 34 cm) are of a greater height and gather under the yoke forming a row of pleats. The latter are secured with a handmade stitch that runs horizontally across them in the upper part, double in places. The two lower panels (height: 27 cm, width: 34 cm at the top and 36 cm at the bottom) are made of a different type of taiston fabric. The hem of the chemise is hand-sewn.

The sleeves consist of two parts, 15 cm and 22 cm wide, joined lengthwise with seams on the inner and the outer back sides of the arm. Small pleats are formed at the joint of the sleeves to the yoke. The armpits consist of a small square piece of a different taiston fabric (measuring 12x13.5 cm on one sleeve and with 13 cm sides on the other), sewn in a diagonal position with handmade stitches. At the edge of each sleeve a 7-7.5 cm high cuff, lined with white cotton fabric, features two buttons similar to those at the front opening of the shirt. Pleats, formed above the cuffs, are secured across with a double stitch.

This shirt stands out for its varied making and decoration as it combines different fabrics, sewing techniques (by hand and machine-made) and elaborate decorative means (cutwork embroidery filled with stitches, as well as pleats and tucks). In the Registry of the Museum it is described as a “formal chemise”.

Height of chemise: 84 cm.

Width: 46 cm on the shoulders, 79 cm at the base.

Sleeve length: 60 cm.

Sleeve width: 22 cm in the upper part, 10 cm around the cuffs.

Date of entry to the Collection: 25.10.1985

Provenance: Lefkoniko – Donation by the family of Yiannakos Hadjisavvas.

C/1989/172

Buckle/clasp of two almond-shaped mother-of-pearl plaques set in a frame of a sheet copper base and a serrated silver border. The outer pointed edge of the frame terminates in a small silver anthemion, soldered to the reverse side. Carved depictions adorn both plaques. One bears a relief representation of Saint George and the other of Saint Demetrius. Both saints are mounted on horseback and similarly dressed in military costume, with a halo around their heads. Saint George thrusts his spear into the dragon's open mouth, while Saint Demetrius pierces the neck of a defeated foe, whose blood gushes from the wound. The blood is rendered in red, as are other elements of the representations, while the eyes are rendered with black dots. The tail of the dragon terminates in an arrow. The defeated warrior wears a helmet and carries a sword. A floral design occupies the narrowing surface behind the saints. The fastening of the clasp is covered by a cast circular plaquette affixed to the loop, adorned with a blue stone in a frame of granules. The metal frame of the clasp is very simple, indicating the work of a Cypriot silversmithing workshop.  

Many mother-of-pearl clasps were brought to Cyprus from the Holy Lands, a significant number of which is preserved principally in the sacristies of monasteries, but also in museums and private collections (see a mother-of-pearl clasp with a similar frame in Chrysoroyiatissa Monastery: Egoumenidou 2002, 13, and clasps with a similar frame and without a frame: Rizopoulou-Egoumenidou 1996, 201, fig. 189-190). Their broad distribution is directly related to the varied geographical provenance of pilgrims to Jerusalem. Mother-of-pearl clasps worn as part of the traditional dress of Skyros, as well as others from Thessaly, are similar examples from areas of Greece (Lambrou 1994, 42, 47, fig. 45, 182, fig. 144-145, and Gourgioti 1996, 49-50, fig. 88-90).

Total width: 26 cm. Height: 9 cm.

Donation from the A.G. Leventis Foundation.

Two maniketta (cuffs), made of striped silk, taisto, the same as that of the trachilia (CMLE 514), with wide and narrow bands in the warp. The upper part is closed with a drawstring. Each one consists of a single piece with an inner seam. They are adorned with elaborate handmade pipilla edging, consisting of continuous flowers with five petals and a sixth which is triangular and connected to the base of the lace. In between the flowers, there are five small leaves above arches, which connect the flower petals on either side.

Dimensions: width 66 cm., height 30 cm. Width of lace: 4 cm.

Trachilia made of striped, taisto, silk woven fabric, with wide and narrow bands in the warp. The trachilia covers the bust and is worn underneath the sarka, as an alternative to the shirt. It consists of three pieces. The two front pieces each have a height of 50 cm. and a width of 43 cm. The finish at the bottom is a simple hem, while the V-shaped neck opening, which continues as a vertical opening, is decorated with handmade pipilla lace, 1 cm. wide. The pattern consists of a series of tiny triangles, which are reminiscent of little cypress trees. At the back, the two pieces of fabric are joined to a third piece, also of striped silk, with a height of 24 cm. and a width of 43 cm. At the edges of the back piece, there are two bands of thin cord, 46 cm. each, which tie at the back.

Dimensions: front pieces: height 50 cm., width 43 cm.

Women’s long shirt made of striped silk, taisto, loom-woven fabric in off-white colour. The front part consists of three pieces joined with seams. The middle piece is 47 cm. wide, and the two lateral pieces 30 cm. The fabric of the middle part continues as a single piece to the back, with a total length of 230 cm. The two side pieces have a height of 83 cm. and are joined under the armpits. The height of the middle part is 115 cm. at the front and back. The sleeves consist of a single piece each with an inner seam, and they are sewn vertically onto the body. The neck opening continues as a vertical opening of 15 cm. on the chest, and is adorned with fine pipilla lace edging, 2 cm. wide, forming a rosette pattern. The edges of the sleeves are also decorated with needle lace made of thicker thread. It is 3cm. wide and forms consecutive triangles on top of tiny pillars. All the seams show fine herringbone stitching, while the hem is sewn with the same silk thread of the shirt. 

Dimensions: height 120 cm., width at the chest 65 cm.

Sleeves: length 60 cm., width 36 cm.

Hem circumference 106 cm.