We were talking the other day about Black Sea influences on Mameluke embroideries and one of the main areas bordering the sea is what is known today as the Ukraine. There were many Ukranian girls in my school in the North of England and in addition to regular school of 5 days a week, they also attended Ukranian school on Saturdays where they were taught their native language, songs, and embroidery. Once a year they gave a concert of national songs and dances and I was totally captivated by the vibrant, bold colours of their dress which set alight even the coldest, foggiest, northern winter's day. This first example is of some beautiful whitework from the shoulders and upper sleeves of a woman's blouse.
And again a sleeve and shoulder inset but worked in dense polychrome silk. I know just how long it would take me to stitch one of those repeat motifs - an entire day! The Cleveland Ukranian Archive has many more lovely examples for you to admire -
just click here to visit.
Related Posts :
I am very pleased that you like Ukrainian embroidery!
ReplyDeleteEach region of our country has its embroidery features.
The West is especially rich in geometric patterns where only a simple cross. The east and central areas of popular smooth surface and floral motifs. And of course the main family heirloom remains towel - rushnyk.
If you are interested in any information I'd be happy to help you.
Hugs from Ukraine,
Zlata
Thanks for the article on the rich embroidered heritage that can be found in Ukraine. I am sometimes astounded at the variety of work produced over the centuries and in the different regions. It would probably take a lifetime to study fully.
ReplyDeleteI would love to hear more about about your embroidery Zlata - thank you. And thank you John - if only we had a few more lifetimes!
ReplyDeleteIf you would like to see some samples of Turkish embroidery please look http://berceste.blogspot.com/2009/10/nakkas.html
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Dilek
Dear Jacqueline, unfortunately could not find your e-mail address. I was lived in Cambridge between 2002-2008. After my baby was born moved to Istanbul. When I was in Cambridge, attended some embroidery courses and patchwork course in there and loved to be with English ladies who has same passion which named embroidery :) I commented on this post because in Turkish embroidery famous and special one called as ''Maraş işi'' very similiar with Ukranian embroidery.
ReplyDeleteAll the best
Dilek