A group of rare eighteenth-century embroideries from Skyros, Naxos and Siphnos achieved a 100% sell-through rate at Cypria Auctions’ Summer Sale, confirming sustained collector interest in the textile traditions and material culture of the Greek islands.
The three works, which had been highlighted prior to the sale for their rarity, historical importance and scholarly documentation, attracted competitive bidding and were acquired by collectors, producing some of the strongest results in the textiles section.
Leading the group was a large eighteenth-century embroidered proskefalada (cushion cover) from Skyros, which realised €4,000 under the hammer against an estimate of €2,500–€3,500. Distinguished by its rich decorative vocabulary of stylised figures and floral motifs, the work represents one of the most recognisable traditions of Greek island embroidery.
A rare embroidered cushion cover from Naxos realised €2,000, while an exceptionally scarce curtain fragment from Siphnos achieved €3,000 against an estimate of €1,500–€2,000. Few examples of the Siphnian embroidery tradition survive today, with the best-known comparative example preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Created in different island communities yet united by a shared Mediterranean heritage, the three embroideries reflect the diversity and sophistication of textile production in the Aegean during the eighteenth century. Their successful sale demonstrates continued appreciation among collectors for works that combine artistic merit, historical significance and cultural value.
The results also highlight growing interest in categories that extend beyond painting and sculpture, reaffirming the importance of textiles as an integral part of the artistic and cultural history of the Greek world.
Presented alongside Cypriot and Greek paintings, sculpture and historical artefacts, the embroideries formed part of Cypria Auctions’ Summer Sale held on 17 June 2026 at Gallery K in Nicosia.
For further information:
Cypria Auctions
www.cypriaauctions.com
