CYPRUS SILVERSMITH’S CRAFT IN LEFKARA

Another fine craft of Lefkara is the fine quality silver work, the making of silver items in Cyprus can be proven –at least – since 2000 B.C. For example, pins and clasps have been found in tombs dated in 1500-1200 B.C.

Today the craft of the silversmith and the goldsmith in Cyprus combines the long tradition with the modern trends and conceptions. Specimens of this modern art are presented in well-established, annual exhibitions.

The Cypriot folkloric craftsman–silversmith still exists in Cyprus. Unfortunately, today only one such craftsman–silversmith works in Kato Lefkara, working silver in the traditional way of the hammer (forging) and manufacturing the traditional Cypriot, ceremonial items – such as the censer, the holy-water sprinkler, and several other folkloric art items.

Lefkara Lace Making

Lefkara has been well restored to its original condition and is worth a visit, it has cobbled streets and interesting architecture. The village is divided in two parts, upper and lower Lefkara, this is because it lies in the hills. You will find it between Limassol and Larnaka.

It is most famous for its embroidery and lacemaking and this form began flourishing here during the Venetian period, when the locals learnt the craft from the ladies who would spend the hot summers in the cooler air of Lefkara. Their personal linen was brought from Italy and was copied and adapted over the years.

Lefkara embroidery is done on pure Irish linen, and the families of Lefkara have been practising their art for centuries. Men of the village used to travel to Europe to sell their womens work, but now the people of Europe and elsewhere come here to buy lace, embroidery and silverware. The women of Lefkara learn their art from an early age, and so by the time they reach maturity their workmanship is very fine.


Be careful of imported fake lace and embroidery, as we have heard stories of cheap Chinese work being sold as the real thing. The authentic 'lefkarita' is of not more than a dozen original designs, and should be the same from both sides, as well as being on pure Irish linen. The thread is French DMC, cotton perle and only comes in three colours, namely white, brown and cream.

Cyprus Medieval Pottery Workshop Larnaca

The Studio Ceramics Workshop was established in 1991 by Efthymios and Ingela Symeou. It is situated on the Larnaca seafront in the Art Workshops area.

Through extensive research and experimentation, including close cooperation with Cypriot museums, they produce replicas of the prehistoric and ancient world of Cyprus, as well as medieval glazed pottery using the scraffito technique of the Byzantine tradition for modelling collectors' items.



Also produced there is a large selection of contemporary hand made stoneware in tableware, jewellery, oil and candle lamps as well as exclusive wall and three-dimensional works in original designs.