Featured Needlepoint?

I know very little about needlework, is this needlepoint? I think it is a Pennsylvania Dutch or Amish theme. The back is hand sewn on and I believe it is burlap. It is signed Milton Lessner and has a label EAAHNIKON. Thanks!!!

 

I don't see any PA Dutch or Amish look to this. Maybe I've been living under a rock, but I've never seen a maritime-themed item in either of those cultures. Is it the birds?

The word on the printed label reminds me of the Greek language, but that's just an impression. Perhaps related to the "Poseidon"/Neptune figure in the lower corner? A commercial pattern?

 

the birds is what made my dad mention PD and Amish...

 

The label is Greek. No question. It's needlepoint, probably a pillow cover. The name written in ink is probably the original owner. I'd also bet good money the yarn is wool. Older pieces and even new ones often are. I'd have to go digging to figure out what the lettering says.

 

ELLHNIKON seems to mean Greek. Thus the term Hellenic in referring in English to Greek subjects or things.

 

Maybe just call Milton and ask him about it-where/how he got it. Zaba search shows one in Johnstown, Pa, age 91, and at least one more in San Diego, no age given. Is what I'd do anyway.

 

Ha! I don't know... And that isn't my last name but...
I like it!

 

Dimensions are always appreciated.

 

Believe a 'National Welfare Organization' label is missing...

https://www.google.com/search?q=gre...=0CAcQ_AUoAjgKahUKEwiuob7Qr-vHAhWI1B4KHXSwBnc

~Cheryl

 

It is 25" by 36"

 

This item was made in Greece sometime between 1949 - 1985. The label means Hellenic, which in this case, grammatically speaking, is the equivalent of saying "made in Greece." There is another label missing which would have said "national welfare." These were items manufactured as pillow cases, rugs, wall hangings, tablecloths, etc. The designs were interpretations of Greek paintings and motifs from the 18th to 19th centuries. Here you have seafaring vessels with a border of waves. The Greek government had sponsored what was called "the national welfare," a cottage industry to help the economy in rural areas. Women and young girls in rural areas had a long history of excellent needleworking skills. The government paid them to create items in traditional designs. All material and designs were provided for them. They worked with wools imported from New Zealand. When finished, the needlework would be taken to Athens, Greece, and sold in shops of this organisation. This trade is defunct now, it was deemed obsolete mostly because the people involved found better means to make a living.

 

This item was made in Greece sometime between 1949 - 1985. The label means Hellenic, which in this case, grammatically speaking, is the equivalent of saying "made in Greece." There is another label missing which would have said "national welfare." These were items manufactured as pillow cases, rugs, wall hangings, tablecloths, etc. The designs were interpretations of Greek paintings and motifs from the 18th to 19th centuries. Here you have a wool needlepoint of seafaring vessels with a border of waves. The Greek government had sponsored what was called "the national welfare," a cottage industry to help the economy in rural areas. Women and young girls in rural areas had a long history of excellent needleworking skills. The government paid them to create items in traditional designs. All material and designs were provided for them. They worked with wools imported from New Zealand. When finished, the needlework would be taken to Athens, Greece, and sold in shops of this organisation. This trade is defunct now, it was deemed obsolete mostly because the people involved found better means to make a living.

 

This needlepoint 'pillow cover,' is a traditional design from the Greek island of Skyros. I have one exactly like this that was indeed purchased in the early 70's from "the National Welfare," organisation described above. I also have several larger needlepoint rugs from the island of Skyros. Here is a photo of one of my favourites..which was made in the early 70s. I have an artist friend in Greece who has painted the fish from my rug on rocks that he has collected along the beaches of Greece!

 

This needlepoint 'pillow cover' was indeed made in Greece. It is a traditional design from the Greek island of Skyros. I have several of the exact same design as well as five needlepoint rugs which I have displayed on my walls. They were, as the previous posted has written, made by the National Welfare Organisation. They are a treasure that should be saved and cared for.

 

and a photo of the fish painted on stones by my friend in Greece.

 

I also have/ had a pillow cover just like this and it has the label inside mentioning the National Welfare Organization. What is most interesting to me is that I saw this exact pillow cover in 1984 at the Kennedy Library outside of Boston and it was sitting on a rocking chair that was JFk's. The sign said that Jackie bought the pillow for Jack while she was on a visit to Greece. Perhaps she met her future husband on that trip!! I am moving am selling this so was looking for a price to sell it for. Thanks for all this information!!