Pysanky Art (Ancient)
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I’ve been giving some thought to attempting to do a Pysanky Egg art project. I was recently watching public television when they did a small documentary on this ancient form of art. I was immediately intrigued. Of course I would never be able to approach the quality of those who have done this all their lives, but I would like to give it a try. The process starts with a clean, white, chicken egg (yolk and all - a real egg). You lightly draw a simple pattern with pencil on the egg shell that you want to remain white. (See the white pattern in the image on the left?). Next you cover your simple pattern with a coating of bees wax. (This will prevent that section of the egg from absorbing dye when it is later dipped). The tool you use to “write” on the egg with wax is called a Kistka (see below) which is basically a small metal funnel attached to a dowel that drips molten wax. |
Once protected with wax, the egg is dipped into a dye bath. Pysanky eggs that will go on display use a dye that is more brilliant and glossy then could be achieved with regular food coloring.
The egg above only uses one color (plus the natural white of the chicken egg). But many beautiful Pysanky eggs use multiple colorings. At each stage, each new color is again protected with wax and the egg is dyed again.
The next stage involves holding the wax covered egg next to a flame. As the wax melts, it is gently wiped off exposing the color it was protecting.
The final stage involves two tiny pin holes on each end of the egg. The yolk can be blown out leaving only the decorated shell.
If I do attempt this, I will keep you posted with additional information, links, and of course pictures of my attempt.
Also check out Hilo Verde’s pysanky art.
I’m a 6′4″ 300 pound 52 year old married man and miraculous survivor of a hematological (blood based) cancer. The cancer pretty much destroyed my left hip and upper left femur. As a result, I needed three major operations that eventually led to a total hip replacement. I’ve been married to a severely disabled (muscular dystrophy) woman for 32 years. I am Senior Software Developer (medical systems) for 
Hi! Thanks for the link to my blog. I really like your inquisitive nature. I am the same way. I read about your crystals and thought “how fun!” I am starting some candy rock crystals myself….
HiloVerde, Thanks for stopping by! Really appreciate that. Yes, I am an extremely inquisitive being no doubt of that. I’m also an environmental protector.
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
Tis the day to say ‘Thanks for dropping by’ to Brother John, I see.
I’m pleased you came by my little bloggie as well, sir, and left a comment. Thanks! It prompted me to add a bit more info to my profile, sort of explaining the ‘malcontent’ business.
And confidentially, I halfway expected to see a comment right here, alluding to Easter and children. does that make me naive or just redneck?
Local Malcontent, Come to think of it…
Perhaps I should soon do Pysanky art so I might get topic related comments? I love symbolism by the way… Know of good Choctaw symbols I might try?
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
plenty. Peace pipes, as seen in the OK. flag; dream catchers; feathers. Perhaps an idea can come to you from this: I’m second from the right.
Local Malcontent, thank you for sharing your pictures with me! Great ideas! I’m going to order that pysanky kit this weekend. In the mean time, practice, practice, practice. I used to be a pretty good artist once upon a time.
‘Preciate the suggestions!
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
I lived at one time in a city that was predominantly of Ukrainian descent. The ladies there did Pysanky eggs for Easter. I also have a sister in law that is off Ukrainian descent and she taught me how to do the eggs years ago. We used to do them before Easter.
I beautiful and intricate artform.
Brendamaa, I’m amazed that I had never heard of it until recently. Did you ever post any pictures of your Pysanky art work? I hope to soon find some time to do my first one.
Brother John
Lansdowne, Pennsylvania USA
No, I never posted any pictures of the eggs that we did. My sister in law (in my opinion) was very good; but then she had grown up doing it.
She called the holder for the wax a “stylus”.
I hadn’t thought about that for yrs. and haven’t done it either as we moved away about 19 yrs. ago and it wasn’t something that we had time to do on our return visits home.
I hope that you do try it and enjoy it.
Hi
I was wondering if you would be interested in clean,empty
Grade A Ostrich egg shells ?
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Regards
W.Gisler