Koshula

NameChemise

Date1925-1935

Place madeKosovo, Bitola, Macedonia, Europe

(not assigned)North Macedonia (Formerly Republic of Macedonia), Southeastern Europe, Europe

MediumCotton, metal sequins, coins, plastic beads

Dimensions45 1/4 × 34 1/4 in. (115 × 87 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, gift of Bernard and Susan Ziobro, A.2015.20.13

Object numberA.2015.20.13

ProvenanceDonor grew up in Pittsburgh, PA as part of a local Yugoslav immigrant community. See long history of the collection in object file.

DescriptionThe natural colored cotton chemise is made of three different cotton weaves. Black embroidery surrounds the neck opening and the collar. Around this area are black and gray flower and leaf embroidered designs, seen as squares from afar. The lower part of the sleeves are embroidered in black, red/orange, green, white, cobalt, and purple. The geometric pattern features crosses at the center hem area. Set in black are embroidered hearts (chain stitch) in red, outlined in purple and white or green and gold. From this area and leading across the back hem area are stylized florals in the same colors as the hearts, but set off with silver metal sequins and coins. At the side seams rise two embroidered crosses. The coins are mostly 1938 Yugoslav dinars. At the back seams are mirroring orange, black, and white embroidered rectangles with geometric patterns.