The Efterpe print was conceived after a research trip to the Benaki Museum in Athens. Founder and Creative Director, Anna Paola came across an ornate dowry box and fell in love with its beautiful hand painted decoration.
A dowry box or “Hope Box” historically signified ‘a transfer of parental property to the daughter (and her husband) on the occasion of her marriage “.
The box might consist of money, coins, jewellery but also less obvious signs of wealth, such as bed linens, quilts and sometimes even dishware.
The strong association of the poppies with Springtime in Athens, instantly conjured up childhood memories for Anna Paola. Growing up as a child in Athens, her own back garden would be filled with these vibrant blooms each year.
What you might not also realise is that these illustrative poppies are also strategically hiding the “evil eye’ within the Efterpe print. Superstition would dictate that wearing the eye as a symbol will ward off evil spirits.
