Sarka

Sarka of black felt with long sleeves and a low standing collar, 3 cm. high. The front part consists of two pieces of fabric. The sleeves are sewn vertically to the body and for ease of movement there are two gussets under each armpit (additional triangular pieces joined at the longest side). The triangles reach 7 cm. above the lower edge of the sarka. The back consists of a single piece.     The sarka has a rich decoration of gold-wrapped thread and double rows of metallic soutache joined with a metallic thread of fine quality. The finish of the collar, the front opening, and the bottom edges of the sarka all feature the same decoration, while the sleeve seams are also emphasised with soutache. The designs consist of a series of arches with spiral extensions between them, above a series of vertical lines,1 cm high. The central arch at the edge of the back is crowned with a complex curvilinear motif, perhaps a stylised tree,10 cm. high. At the join of the seam of the sleeves with the bottom decorative band, tiny spiral patterns 6 cm. high frame both sides of the soutache that covers the seam of the sleeves, as an extension of the decoration at the bottom edge of the sarka. At the front, each side of the chest features a large, elongated paisley; its surface is covered with stylised, swirling floral motifs. The upper tip of the paisley extends to a delicate pattern of spirals. At the back part of the neck, below the collar, there is a simpler lattice pattern in golden thread, with tiny loops at the tips.   Although this sarka is of a common type, it is distinguished by its meticulous manufacture, and especially by its elegant and intricate decoration, which is further emphasised by the sharp contrast between the gold designs and the black felt.   The sarka is lined with a beige fabric. It is identical with sarka CMLE 2113/8.   Dimensions: height 39 cm., width 40 cm. Sleeves: length 45 cm., width 16.5 cm.   Purchase Price: 510 drachmas. Purchased the same year as the previous one but at half the price.