Recently I came across the following exquisite example of a liturgical "cuff" -- which, in the Byzantine East is called the epimanikion or epimanikia (pl). It is important to note, however, that such liturgical cuffs were not unique to the Chrisitan East as they can also be found in the medieval Latin tradition, and also continue to see continued use within the Ambrosian rite, attached to the alb.
This particular example though is Eastern and comes form Greece, being dated to 1740. It shows a combined depiction of the Annunciation -- the one cuff showing the image of the Angel Gabriel and the other the Virgin Mary.
Aside from their general interest as an item of liturgical vesture, they also present a good example of the kind of embroidery work and design that can as much be found in the Byzantine East and they can the Latin West.
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| The Angel Gabriel |
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| The Virgin Mary (Theotokos) |
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