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Embroidery

Embroidery is the art of stitching ornamental designs in threads of cotton, silk, gold, or silver upon a woven fabric. Archaeological evidence indicates that human populations began widely trading embroidered goods as early as the 5th century B.C. Trade not only exposed important differences in the style and cultural meaning of embroidery, but also resulted in the migration and fusion of stitching techniques and imagery. For example, embroideries produced in Russia in the 1st century B.C. reveal influence from China, particularly Chinese chain- stitching techniques and representations of dragons.

In Medieval Europe, royalty often commissioned embroiderers to create monumental pieces commemorating their rule. Around 1080, English embroiderers, possibly nuns at Canterbury Cathedral, created the Bayeux Tapestry to illustrate William the Conqueror’s successful conquest of England. During the Renaissance, Netherlandish embroidery was highly sought after and collected by notable European figures including Henry VIII of England and Pope Leo X of Italy.

Developments during the 19th and 20th centuries led to the commercialization of embroidery, as well as greater interest in applying techniques used in fine and graphic art. Since the '50s, there has been a renewed appreciation for the craftsmanship and delicate skill required to produce intricately-embroidered works. Collectors of embroidery will find a rich assortment of unique pieces available at auction from across the world.


Quick Facts

  • On November 26, 2014, Christie’s Hong Kong sold an imperial embroidered silk thangka for $45,142,597
  • In Muslim cities such as Damascus, Cairo, and Istanbul, embroidery was a sign of elevated social status. Those who could afford embroidered textiles displayed their wealth by wearing embroidered tunics, robes, shoes, slippers, leather belts, and handkerchiefs
  • Today, embroidery software allows machines to stitch digitized patterns onto fabric

Recommended Items at Auction

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Two Embroidered Cushions Depicting Male Figural Detail
Mar 02, 11:00 AM AEDT
Two Embroidered Cushions Depicting Male Figural Detail
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD60- AUD80
AUD14010 Bids
Central Asian Suzani and Algerian Embroidered Shawl Fragments, 19th Century
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Central Asian Suzani and Algerian Embroidered Shawl Fragments, 19th Century
by Material Culture
Est: $300- $500
$2505 Bids
Very Large Antique Ottoman Style Silk Embroidery, Balkans, Ca. 1900, 7'2'' x 13'6''
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Very Large Antique Ottoman Style Silk Embroidery, Balkans, Ca. 1900, 7'2'' x 13'6''
by Material Culture
Est: $500- $1,000
$5005 Bids
Tecido Otomano do séc. XIX bordada a seda e fio metálico dourado em tons de azul. Dim aprox. máx.: 116x 111 cm
Feb 24, 7:00 PM WET
Tecido Otomano do séc. XIX bordada a seda e fio metálico dourado em tons de azul. Dim aprox. máx.: 116x 111 cm
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €60- €120
€1005 Bids
Kashan Embroidered Black Velvet Hanging, 17th Century
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Kashan Embroidered Black Velvet Hanging, 17th Century
by Material Culture
Est: $400- $800
$2753 Bids
Tajikistan Ruiband Bridal Veil Fragment and More Ethnic Textiles (3)
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Tajikistan Ruiband Bridal Veil Fragment and More Ethnic Textiles (3)
by Material Culture
Est: $300- $500
$1752 Bids
Portuguese Embroidered Linen Bedspread Textile, 18th Century, 4'11'' x 7'8''
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Portuguese Embroidered Linen Bedspread Textile, 18th Century, 4'11'' x 7'8''
by Material Culture
Est: $400- $600
$2002 Bids
Pano de mesa ("chemin de table") em tela e veludo bordado a seda e fio metálico Dim. aprox. máx.: 118 x 37 cm.
Feb 24, 7:00 PM WET
Pano de mesa ("chemin de table") em tela e veludo bordado a seda e fio metálico Dim. aprox. máx.: 118 x 37 cm.
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €30- €60
€352 Bids
Véu de cálice em seda riscada bordada a fio de seda em tons de bege. Dim. aprox. máx.: 56 x 53
Feb 24, 7:00 PM WET
Véu de cálice em seda riscada bordada a fio de seda em tons de bege. Dim. aprox. máx.: 56 x 53
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €30- €60
€352 Bids
Conjunto de Paramento litúrgico do séc. XVIII- XIX em seda pintada em tons policromados (5)
Feb 24, 7:00 PM WET
Conjunto de Paramento litúrgico do séc. XVIII- XIX em seda pintada em tons policromados (5)
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €300- €600
€3202 Bids
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VINTAGE HAND EMBROIDERED PILLOWCASES
Feb 19, 12:00 PM EST
VINTAGE HAND EMBROIDERED PILLOWCASES
by R Howard Collectibles
Est: $1- $50
$22 Bids
Group of Central American Textiles, Guatemala and Panama, 20th Century
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Group of Central American Textiles, Guatemala and Panama, 20th Century
by Material Culture
Est: $200- $500
$1001 Bid
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Eclectic Lot of Vintage Items
Mar 05, 10:00 AM EST
Eclectic Lot of Vintage Items
by Apple Tree Auction Center
Est: $0- $0
$51 Bid
A Edwardian Ribbon & Wool Embroidered Table Centre with Roses, Framed
Feb 23, 2:00 PM AEDT
A Edwardian Ribbon & Wool Embroidered Table Centre with Roses, Framed
by Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers
Est: AUD80- AUD120
AUD401 Bid
Retalho de paramento funerário em veludo com aplicação de bordado relevado "brasão"
Feb 24, 7:00 PM WET
Retalho de paramento funerário em veludo com aplicação de bordado relevado "brasão"
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €100- €200
€1001 Bid
Conjunto de Paramentos litúrgicos do séc. XIX bordado a fio metálico dourado, prateado e carmim (5)
Feb 24, 7:00 PM WET
Conjunto de Paramentos litúrgicos do séc. XIX bordado a fio metálico dourado, prateado e carmim (5)
by Palácio do Correio Velho
Est: €1,000- €2,000
€1,0001 Bid
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Late Georgian silk embroidery picture of cows in landscape, c. 1820
Feb 22, 1:00 PM AEDT
Late Georgian silk embroidery picture of cows in landscape, c. 1820
by Moorabool Auctions
Est: AUD250- AUD350
AUD1001 Bid
Spanish Embroidered Satin Wall Hanging, 17th Century
Feb 26, 11:00 AM EST
Spanish Embroidered Satin Wall Hanging, 17th Century
by Material Culture
Est: $200- $400
$1001 Bid

Sellers Who Sell Embroidery


Palácio do Correio Velho

Palácio do Correio Velho

Material Culture

Material Culture

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Theodore Bruce Auctioneers & Valuers

Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales

Dreweatts 1759 Fine Sales