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INSPIRATIONALLY YOURS - Hungarian Embroidery – Part I


Hungarian Embroidery  - Intricate, eye catching, beautiful and extremely innovative is how Hungarian embroidery can be described. Designer’s take inspiration from traditions across the world, textiles, history, culture, embroidery, craft….to create their magnificent lines.  . The traditions got from across the shores were honed further by Indian craftsmen. When India was so open to foreign influences centuries ago, should we be far behind! Here’s a little inspiration coming from Hungary.  

Hungarian Embroidery and textile crafts beginnings are similar to that of India. Meaning many of the tradition or styles of embroidery started off at home. It was predominantly used by girls or women to put together the dowry. Today, the traditional skill and technique is kept alive what changes is its application. The embroidery on a traditional skirt today finds place in a stylish blouse for a working woman. Embroidery on coat today can be seen on cushion covers, place mats and table cloth and more.

What sets apart the rich world of crafts from Hungary is their vivid colour


combinations, vibrant yet subtle and not shockingly colourful. Historically almost all countries of the former Eastern Block have a rich base in embroidery which has survived the times. What gives it an additional edge is that the traditional is now being adapted to give the product a contemporary look. In Hungary too, like in India the type of embroidery varies across regions. The style is a confluence of Renaissance, Baroque and also has Persian influences. The motifs draw inspiration from nature and abound with flowers in various sizes, colour and shapes, leaves and sometimes birds and butterflies. Another well known motif resembles the eye in a peacock feather. Striking colours juxtaposed with subtle laces, drawing from a rich past yet contemporary enough to sit in a home in any part of the world. This small exhibition of textiles, pottery, egg painting, carving… provides a peak into the rich cultural world of Folk art from Hungary.

Commonly referred to as Hungarian folk art, the present style of embroidery which is frequently seen is traced to the 18th Century though references for it being done centuries ago – 1000 AD also exist.  I may not profess to be an expert on the craft, but this is just a precursor or curtain raiser to what is available and the possibilities of adaptation.

 (In the next post we will take a look at different types of embroidery from Hungary)

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