SOLD: "Ember Majesty" by Mirel B
Duck egg pysanka
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This pysanka is written on a duck egg using traditional methods - an extraordinary example of craftsmanship, reflecting centuries of heritage and symbolic meaning. The egg was carefully selected, ensuring its smoothness and strength before it underwent the meticulous process of being adorned with intricate designs. Using a kistka (stylus), hot wax was applied to the egg’s surface, and the egg was gradually dipped into dyes, with the wax protecting certain areas from coloration, layer by layer, to create stunningly complex motifs.
The use of traditional colors such as red, black, and yellow is prominent in the design, each carrying deep symbolic meanings. Red symbolizes life, health, and vitality, while black represents the earth or eternity. These colors, alongside floral and geometric motifs, convey messages of protection, fertility, and prosperity, all integral to Ukrainian culture.
The process is labor-intensive, requiring precision and patience, especially with duck eggs, which present unique challenges due to their larger size and harder shell compared to larger eggs. This makes the art even more captivating, showcasing not only the technical skill required but also the enduring cultural significance embedded in each stroke and pattern. This pysanka is more than just decoration; it is a piece of Ukrainian history, imbued with traditions and symbolism that resonate deeply with the heritage of the land.
Technique
Traditional Ukrainian pysanky are created using a meticulous and highly labor-intensive wax-resist (batik) dyeing process. The technique involves writing intricate designs onto an egg using a stylus called a kistka, which applies melted beeswax to preserve specific areas of color. The egg is then repeatedly dipped into progressively darker dyes, with more wax applied between layers to create multi-colored patterns. Finally, the wax is melted off to reveal the completed design.
The time required to complete a pysanka varies depending on the complexity of the design. A skilled artist may take 15 hours to complete a detailed pysanka on a chicken egg, while a larger goose egg can take up to 20 hours or more due to its greater surface area. The process is particularly challenging on chicken or duck eggs eggs, as their fragile shells require delicate handling and precision to prevent breakage during the application of wax and dyes.
All pysanky sales are final!
Type: Duck egg shell; fully emptied and thermally processed. Hand etched and carved
Delivery: All pysanky purchases are to be collected in person at Southcentre Mall prior to 6:00 PM on Sunday, April 27. All pysanky purchased but not collected will be shipped at the purchaser's cost using standard shipping rates. Purchasers will be responsible for taxes, duties, and all other shipping-related costs. Purchasers outside Alberta will be contacted with delivery instructions after their purchase is confirmed.