The Anthologist Ark: Creatures Hand-Stitched in Myth & Memory

 

Founded by Greek-American collector and designer Andria Mitsakos, Athens-based Anthologist launched the Ark as a menagerie of hand-stitched creatures made in collaboration with women artisans in Mexico.

 

“When I was 10, my mother took me to a toymaker’s workshop in New Hampshire," says Mitsakos. It was a wonderland of drawers and boxes filled with noses, whiskers, tails, and antlers. I remember being in awe as he assembled creatures from those tiny parts, and the thrill of designing my own. I always loved stuffed animals far more than dolls; they became my confidants, my cast of imagined worlds. Years later, The Anthologist Ark revisits that feeling, translating the magic of childhood creation into pieces made for the present."

 

The collection showcases (just in time for Christmas), Prancer and Vixen the Reindeers, the playful Dolphins, Elliott the Flying Dragon (based on Andria’s childhood imaginary friend), Priscilla the Pegasus, and Leopoldo, the Rare White Jaguar, among many others. 

 

Prancer and Vixen, the Reindeers; Elliott, the Flying Dragon; Priscilla, the Pegasus; Leopoldo, the Rare White Jaguar. Images courtesy of Sofia Konstantakopoulou for Antholoist.

 

Each are fully handmade in remote workshops and, in many cases, support women working from home. Their fur are created from hand-spun wool yarn and vegetable dye, and countless hours of WhatsApp messages with her lead artisan, Mary. Further, each come with a story of their journey, written by Andria. A book is also in the works. 

Shop the Anthologist Ark.