Research, Armenian Religious Textiles at the Alex and Marie Manoogian Museum in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, 2012-2013.
I conducted research on the iconography and various techniques used to produce Armenian religious textiles. These include: embroidery, textile printing, wax printing, and ghalamkar (block printed).
The art of Armenian altar curtains is one of the more unique and interesting branches of applied art. The tradition of covering altars with curtains was ubiquitous across early Christian communities. For hundreds of years, Orthodox and Catholic churches replaced curtains with the iconostasis, or a simple altar opening. Only a few Christian churches have maintained the tradition of hanging a curtain before the altar. The Armenian Church has used their altar curtains as a canvas for the display of Biblical iconography.
As curtains were produced in many centers of the Armenian diaspora, they represent diverse styles, techniques, colors, and the local characteristics of many nations and cultures.
I conducted research on the iconography and various techniques used to produce Armenian religious textiles. These include: embroidery, textile printing, wax printing, and ghalamkar (block printed).
The art of Armenian altar curtains is one of the more unique and interesting branches of applied art. The tradition of covering altars with curtains was ubiquitous across early Christian communities. For hundreds of years, Orthodox and Catholic churches replaced curtains with the iconostasis, or a simple altar opening. Only a few Christian churches have maintained the tradition of hanging a curtain before the altar. The Armenian Church has used their altar curtains as a canvas for the display of Biblical iconography.
As curtains were produced in many centers of the Armenian diaspora, they represent diverse styles, techniques, colors, and the local characteristics of many nations and cultures.
Armenian Altar Curtains
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