Drapery

Drapery is the depiction or shaping of folds in fabric, clothing, and material in art. Mastery of drapery has been valued since antiquity: Greek sculptors used complex folds to convey movement and dynamism in figures. In painting, drapery helps to create the illusion of volume, emphasize light and shade, and convey the character of a person—from royal robes to simple coverlets.

In porcelain and silver, realistically rendered drapery is one of the challenging techniques: it is particularly effective on figurines, vases, and ornaments.

By the way, sometimes artists hid plot details or entire objects under the folds!

Realistic drapery still remains a mark of high craftsmanship and a sign of the fashion of each era.