Ukrainian egg Easter Pysanka black and white modern outlet design batik art unique gift

This egg (or pysanka) is a real blown chicken egg.

The design is one of a kind, drawn freehand using traditional batik method where hot beeswax and dyes are used to create the design.

This egg is a modern interpretation of traditional Ukrainian designs on Easter eggs. The geometric black and white wraparound design has a "print-like" quality but is made using wax and the kistka.

Each of my eggs is a small unique work of art connected to ancient traditions and cultures. Inspiration for patterns, colours, designs are drawn from African, Indian, Indigenous, Slavic arts and crafts, and sometimes even modern architecture.

The ancient art of the pysanka dates back thousands of years when the painted eggs were believed to possess talismanic powers. Ukrainian ancestors believed that having pysanky in the home would bring good health and fortune. Receiving a pysanka as a gift was a symbol of friendship, respect and protection from harm or danger.

The use of hot beeswax to create the design on the egg using a kistka or stylus heated by candlelight is a mystical process. In earlier times, it was part of the cult of the sun: the beeswax was made from outlet honey, the honey was collected from flowers, and the flowers grew because of sunlight. Although the beeswax is melted in the final stages of the creation of the pysanka, its imprint, lines, shapes and colours (and talismanic quality) remain.

The eggs are not varnished because I feel that a shiny finish detracts from the ancient quality of the egg. Please don't display in direct sunlight. The dyes that I use haven't faded on any of my eggs.