Did you know that two of our MANTILITY artworks are dedicated to poetry and inspired by renowned Greek Poets?

The first one is called “If you hadn’t given me poetry, O Lord” and it’s a painting by Leonidas Michalako, inspired by the homonymous poem by Nikiforos Vrettakos.

MANTILITY Silk Scarf: ““If you hadn’t given me poetry, O Lord”” by Leonidas Michalakos 

Hereby the concept as “narrated” by the painter himself:

What fascinates me most is how speech,

written or oral, literary or folk can become an occasion

for the creation of an artwork.

With egg tempera, inks, gold and silver leaves,

paint brushes and dip pens, and with predominant tool

the so-called “minuscule cursive” script,

the Greek handwriting of the Byzantine times,

I attempt to capture on the parchment

the rhythm of the words,

the color of the speech.

The source of inspiration for this particular scarf is the poem

“If you hadn’t given me poetry, O Lord”

by the great Laconian poet Nikiforos Vrettakos, 

whose poetic speech moves me deeply and floods me

with images, forms and shapes.

Photo of the original painting “If you hadn’t given me poetry, O Lord”” by Leonidas Michalakos 

Silk Scarf “If you hadn’t given me poetry, O Lord”” by Leonidas Michalakos 

Silk Scarf “If you hadn’t given me poetry, O Lord”” by Leonidas Michalakos 

The other one is called “Aegean” and is designed by Michalis Toumanidis. Inspired by the Greek sea, sunlight and poetry, Toumanidis combined all these and visualized a love poem by Odysseas Elytis called “Of the Aegean I”:

Eros
The archipelago
And the prow of its foams
And the gull of its dreams
On its highest mast the sailor waves
A song
Eros
Its song
And the horizons of its voyage
And the echo of its nostalgia
On her wettest rock the betrothed awaits
A ship
Eros
Its ship
And the nonchalance of its summer winds
And the jib of its hope
On its highest undulation an island cradles
The coming
Odysseas Elytis
(transl. Jeffrey Carson)

Animation for the Silk Scarf “Of the Aegean I” by Michalis Toumanidis

Silk Scarf “Of the Aegean I”  70x200cm by Michalis Toumanidis (Photo by Giannis Magdalasidis, Location: Tsiakiris Silk Factory, Soufli)

Silk Scarf “Of the Aegean I”  70x200cm by Michalis Toumanidis (Photo by Giannis Magdalasidis)

There is also one more MANTILITY Scarf related to poetry and literature, and it’s “Planet Freaks”. The Designer [Anonymous] creates a fantastic universe and presents a series of imaginary planets. Beautiful and delicately drawn illustrations that create a delightful play of silk and volume. The designer invites you to become one of the species that live on this planet. Each planet intends to convey ideas and emotions associated with the influence of the planets on the psyche.

 Planet “FREAKS” is the holiday home for many residents of the known universe.

Beatniks, jazzniks, crazy, underground, anti-conformists, ragged and many others.

The governor of the city is called Jack Kerouac.

MANTILITY Silk Scarf: “Planet Freaks” by Anonymous Designer (Photo: Kiki Doxaki, Location: Imaret Hotel)

MANTILITY Silk Scarf: “Planet Freaks”   Boheme Edition

MANTILITY Silk Scarf: “Planet Freaks” Pop Edition

Guess what! You can also order a customized scarf with your favorite poem or lyrics on it only for you and your beloved ones! How?

Choose your favorite lyrics [be it poem, prose, or song] and a designer from our MANTILITY Movement will visualize it for a truly UNIQUE 100% Silk Scarf co-made by YOU! Once you place your order, drop us an email at hello@mantility.com with “Lyrics of silk” written on the Subject line and include the lyrics you would like to be “written” on silk. Within 48 hours you will receive a preferences questionnaire for you to fill up. Based on your answers we will create an original design that matches your needs (3 different proposals) within 14 days. After the finalization of the design, the item takes about 3 weeks to be produced and will be delivered accordingly.

You can place your order here!

Take a look at these custom scarves, especially designed as a wedding gift to newlywed MANTILITY Lovers. Lyrics taken from a poem-wish to to the couple as well as poignanti monograms take center stage for these extremely limited edition scarves, adorned with the bride and groom’s favorite symbols and colors.