Vassilios Philippou, consul general, of Cyprus in New York, inaugurated the exhibition featuring more than 50 Lefkaritika laces. In his speech, Philippou welcomed the attendees and thanked Nippon Club for organising the exhibition. He emphasised the tradition of lace-making in the village of Lefkara dates back to at least the 14th century and has been passed down from generation to generation. He pointed out that the laces represent authentic Cypriot culture.

“According to tradition, in the 15th century, Leonardo da Vinci visited Cyprus and took a Lefkara lace back to Italy with him, which today decorates Duomo Cathedral in Milan”, enthused Philippou.

In 2009, Lefkaritika were officially inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. Correspondingly, in his opening remarks, Reiichiro Takahashi, consul general, Japan, expressed his enthusiasm for the Cypriot handmade Lefkaritika laces and their history. He also gave his promise that he will visit Cyprus very soon.