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Armenian embroidery
 
Pillowcase, Armenian embroidery, 1951; Anahid Kazazian (b. 1934); Lexington, Massachusetts; Velvet, cotton thread; 30 x 24 x 1 1/2 in. framed; Collection of the artist; Photography by Jason Dowdle
Pillowcase, Armenian embroidery, 1951
Anahid Kazazian (b. 1934)
Lexington, Massachusetts
Velvet, cotton thread
30 x 24 x 1 1/2 in. framed
Collection of the artist
Photography by Jason Dowdle
 
Nairi Havan learning Marash embroidery from Anahid Kazazian; Armenian embroidery; 2002: Lexington, Massachusetts
Nairi Havan holding mother's embroidery with her son; Armenian embroidery; 2002: Lexington, Massachusetts
Anahid Kazazian holding Marash embroidery done by her grandmother, circa 1866; Armenian embroidery; 2002: Lexington, Massachusetts
verticle bar Artist
Anahid Kazazian
Lexington, MA
Armenian women have long used a complex embroidery pattern called marash to decorate household textiles like tablecloths, pillows, and comforters. When she was eleven, a broken leg kept Anahid Kazazian out of school for two months. She persuaded her mother to teach her the craft. As she describes, "We refer to it as gaghtnaker or 'secret needlework' because you can't tell how the pattern is made by looking at it - you have to be taught."
verticle bar Appears in Exhibit verticle bar Purchase Exhibition Catalogue