Lonely people, delicate people, people without occupation, perhaps, beyond shelling peas,have found embroidery a distraction', declared an article written in the 1920s. It reflected the generally accepted view, which still persists, of embroidery as a pastime for idle ladies - a pastime which, though much modern work can be considered creative art, is more usually relegated by popular opinion to the homely level of a sentimental sampler on the wall, a needlepoint cushion on the fireside armchair, or a linen teacosy worked with crinoline ladies.

The art of embroidery has been practised for thousands of years. In the West,traditions have been at the mercy of trade and fashion, but in other regions,embroidery continues to be rooted in ancient beliefs and superstitions. This beautifully illustrated book examines in detail the fascinating symbolism of the motifs and patterns that give life to these traditional textiles from around the world.

The global range is as remarkable as the variety of materials and motifs on display.Each textile -whether Chinese court insignia, Japanese kimono, Sumatran sarong,Turkish napkin, Ghanaian banner, Native American pouch or Peruvian Nasca textile, among others - bears its own distinctive designs.

Complete with a glossary, a dictionary of stitches and information on public collections as well as how to collect textiles of one's own, this is an unrivalled guide for anyone interested in textiles, costume or craft.

INTRODUCTION：TECHNIQUES AND TRADITIONS

1 GUIDE TO IDENTIFICATION

2 THE DECORATIVE POWER OF CULT

3 RELIGION AND ITS PATTERNS

4 THE MAGICAL SOURCE OF PROTECTION

Glossary

Dictionary of Stitches

Further Reading

Collections and Collecting

Sources of Illustrations

Acknowledgments

Index