The art of embroidery has been practised for thousands of years. In the West, traditions have been at the mercy of trade and fashion, but in other regions, embroidery continues to be rooted in ancient beliefs and superstitions. This beautifully illustrated book examines in detail the fascinating symbolism of the motifs and patterns that give life to these traditional textiles from around the world. The global range is as remarkable as the variety of materials and motifs on display. Each textile – whether Chinese court insignia, Japanese kimono, Sumatran sarong, Turkish napkin, Ghanaian banner, Native American pouch or Peruvian Nasca textile, among others – bears its own distinctive designs. Complete with: • glossary • dictionary of stitches • information on public collections • how to collect textiles