Unknown
Woman's Vest (Fermeli)
19th Century
Wool felt and silk velvet with metallic thread couching embroidery, and silk and metallic thread braid trim
27 1/2 x 20 inches (69.85 x 50.8 centimeters)
Gift of the Reverend and Mrs. Van S. Merle-Smith Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Fowler Merle-Smith and Mrs. Nancy Stover, 1991
1991.004.045

On mainland Greece embroidery was most often used on garments, such as this vest (fermeli). It is one component of a woman's costume for her wedding or another festive occasion, and would have been worn with a chemise, bodice, head scarf, and another vest. The embroidered designs, stitched in metal-wrapped thread, echo ancient Greek wave, rosette, and palmette motifs.