The Armenian needlelace (Janyak) knot evolved from a net-making technique on the eastern banks of the Mediterranean to a decorative lace knot. Janyak is made simply with a needle and thread. Because it is made with lightweight and commonly found materials, it is a craft that has survived the forced displacement of many generations of Armenians. Over the last century, the craft has been lovingly preserved within communities of the Armenian-American diaspora through intergenerational instruction, how-to books, exhibitions, and in recent years, video tutorials.
Emma has created an evil eye design in lace on wool felt background.
Artist: Emma Welty
Size: 4" Round
Age: Contemporary
Place of Origin: Woodbury, Connecticut
Type of Textile: Lace
Material: Cotton thread, wool felt
EW022
