Greek Bridal Dress Hem, Attica, 19th C. Silk embroidered cotton. Size: 14'' x 79'' (36 x 201 cm). In the Attica region, traditional bridal attire was a comprehensive ensemble comprising a petticoat, chemise, vest, dickey, silk belt, stockings, bridal shoes, an intricate headdress, and jewelry. To distinguish brides from other women, the hem of the dress was adorned with special colorful designs.Among the more affluent families, these designs were embroidered with metallic gold threads, while others, like this fragment, featured polychromatic silk embroidery. Typically, a woman would embroider her own dress, but for more elaborate pieces intended for festivals or weddings, the task was entrusted to the most skilled seamstresses in the village.This particular piece likely belonged to a middle-class bride, evident from the use of colorful threads instead of gold. It is set on a sturdy cotton fabric with dense polychrome silk embroidery, showcasing abstracted botanical motifs.

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