The document discusses the history and traditions of embroidery and tapestries in Ukraine. It notes that embroidery has existed in Ukraine since ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological artifacts from the 6th century. Specific regions like Poltava and Reshetylivka are renowned for certain embroidery styles, with Poltava known for floral and geometric designs in white, brown, grey and blue threads, and Reshetylivka known for its unique "white on white" embroidery that uses relief techniques. Tapestries from Reshetylivka have been displayed in exhibitions around the world and now adorn locations like the UN headquarters in New York.

2. The history of folk embroidery in Ukraine reaches itsThe history of folk embroidery in Ukraine reaches its
roots in depth of centuries .The archaeological dataroots in depth of centuries .The archaeological data
Rosco-Rosco-
dormancy and the testimony of travelers and chroniclersdormancy and the testimony of travelers and chroniclers
prove that embroidery as an art form in Ukraine hasprove that embroidery as an art form in Ukraine has
existed since time immemorial .Embroidery ,existed since time immemorial .Embroidery ,
according to Herodotus ,was decorated with clothes ofaccording to Herodotus ,was decorated with clothes of
the Scythians.Found in Cherkasy region silver plaquesthe Scythians.Found in Cherkasy region silver plaques
with figures of men that date back to the VI century.,with figures of men that date back to the VI century.,
the study showed the identity of not only clothes ,butthe study showed the identity of not only clothes ,but
also Ukrainian embroidery folk costume XVIII-XIXalso Ukrainian embroidery folk costume XVIII-XIX
The history of folk embroideryThe history of folk embroidery

3. Arabian traveller of the tenthArabian traveller of the tenth
century. B. E. in his storiescentury. B. E. in his stories
about the Rus notes that theyabout the Rus notes that they
wore embroidered clothes.wore embroidered clothes.
Unfortunately , the monumentsUnfortunately , the monuments
of Ukrainian embroideriesof Ukrainian embroideries
have survived only for the lasthave survived only for the last
few centuries , but it is enoughfew centuries , but it is enough
to discover that the elementsto discover that the elements
of symbolism ornamentsof symbolism ornaments
Ukrainian embroidery coincideUkrainian embroidery coincide
with ornaments that decoratedwith ornaments that decorated
the dishes of old inhabitants ofthe dishes of old inhabitants of
the territory of Ukraine thethe territory of Ukraine the
Neolithic period , trypilskaNeolithic period , trypilska
culture .culture .

4. Embroidery was originallyEmbroidery was originally
done by women ,whodone by women ,who
from generation Spokanefrom generation Spokane
passed typical, vividpassed typical, vivid
examples of ornament ,examples of ornament ,
color and embroiderycolor and embroidery
technique. Embroidery ,technique. Embroidery ,
passing the characteristicpassing the characteristic
features of the terrain ,features of the terrain ,
differ in ornamentation ,differ in ornamentation ,
technique and range oftechnique and range of
colorscolors

5. For many centuries the directFor many centuries the direct
specific meaning of the symbolsspecific meaning of the symbols
on the embroideries were lost ,on the embroideries were lost ,
but the tradition of their use hasbut the tradition of their use has
not disappeared. In explanationnot disappeared. In explanation
of the ornaments of theof the ornaments of the
embroideries are divided intoembroideries are divided into
three groups : geometric ,three groups : geometric ,
vegetal , zoomorphic (animals)vegetal , zoomorphic (animals)
and reflect the symbols ofand reflect the symbols of
ancient beliefs, cults.ancient beliefs, cults.

6. Geometric ornaments , for example , isGeometric ornaments , for example , is
inherent in all types of folk art and all Slavicinherent in all types of folk art and all Slavic
mythology . Various circles , triangles ,mythology . Various circles , triangles ,
diamonds, Doodle , lines , crosses symbolicallydiamonds, Doodle , lines , crosses symbolically
reflected the ideas of our ancestors about thereflected the ideas of our ancestors about the
universe , so their value is appropriate .Baseduniverse , so their value is appropriate .Based
on the ancient cosmolo-on the ancient cosmolo-
logical symbols in the people created their ownlogical symbols in the people created their own
system of names .This "sheep's foot" , "curls" ,system of names .This "sheep's foot" , "curls" ,
"grebeshki","grebeshki",
"humps" , "pine" ,"humps" , "pine" ,
"break" and the like."break" and the like.

7. The basis of floral ornament is a cult of worship theThe basis of floral ornament is a cult of worship the
nature , the plant . In addition to the common symbolnature , the plant . In addition to the common symbol
of the "tree of life" , which depicted stylized in the formof the "tree of life" , which depicted stylized in the form
of leaves or twigs, embroidery with floral ornamentof leaves or twigs, embroidery with floral ornament
stylized popular images of Berehynia , the use of suchstylized popular images of Berehynia , the use of such
motifs as "the grapes" - a symbol of wealth , a happymotifs as "the grapes" - a symbol of wealth , a happy
marriage , "Barvinok" is a symbol of love and the like .marriage , "Barvinok" is a symbol of love and the like .
On embroideries are depicted zoomorphic and solarOn embroideries are depicted zoomorphic and solar
totemic animals and beasts , representing the threetotemic animals and beasts , representing the three
tiers of the "tree of life" . Sometimes embroiderers usetiers of the "tree of life" . Sometimes embroiderers use
individual motifs , which are characteristic of the visionindividual motifs , which are characteristic of the vision
of the pattern of a certain person . They may be hareof the pattern of a certain person . They may be hare
and wolf teeth , bull's eyes , fish scales and the like.and wolf teeth , bull's eyes , fish scales and the like.

8. Poltava embroidery run stitch , fancy stitch ,Poltava embroidery run stitch , fancy stitch ,
double twig , cloves , openwork , chain like .double twig , cloves , openwork , chain like .
Patterns are individual stitches andPatterns are individual stitches and
combinations of stitches .Embroider with whitecombinations of stitches .Embroider with white
thread mainly ,occasionally red and grey ,thread mainly ,occasionally red and grey ,
round pattern of black or colored stripes .round pattern of black or colored stripes .

9. Reshetilovsky
embroidery
and tapestries

10. In the late nineteenth century Reshetylivka officially becameIn the late nineteenth century Reshetylivka officially became
one of the centers-centers of folk weaving, carpet-makingone of the centers-centers of folk weaving, carpet-making
and embroidery in Ukraine. Next, 2005, Poltava, this townand embroidery in Ukraine. Next, 2005, Poltava, this town
will celebrate the jubilee: in 1905 the Governor and thewill celebrate the jubilee: in 1905 the Governor and the
district Council founded the Guild of embroidery anddistrict Council founded the Guild of embroidery and
gobeletti — reshetilovsky weaving training andgobeletti — reshetilovsky weaving training and
demonstration item. And in the 20-ies of the gang bringsdemonstration item. And in the 20-ies of the gang brings
the city worldwide fame. Carpets and unique embroiderythe city worldwide fame. Carpets and unique embroidery
reshetilovsky masters in the years 1923-25 werereshetilovsky masters in the years 1923-25 were
presented at exhibitions of Ukrainian art in Munich, Paris,presented at exhibitions of Ukrainian art in Munich, Paris,
Marseilles, Brussels. . Then the number of workers theMarseilles, Brussels. . Then the number of workers the
farm employed more than two and a half thousandfarm employed more than two and a half thousand
people. On its basis later created the factory of artpeople. On its basis later created the factory of art
products. In the twenty-first century the enterprise... Andproducts. In the twenty-first century the enterprise... And
masters work at homemasters work at home

11. . . It so happened that in thisIt so happened that in this
village was born a unique andvillage was born a unique and
world-famous type ofworld-famous type of
embroidery — "white on white"embroidery — "white on white"
or "linen". This embroideryor "linen". This embroidery
creates a high relief figure withcreates a high relief figure with
black and white simulation.black and white simulation.
Depending on the direction ofDepending on the direction of
light pattern different the beats,light pattern different the beats,
it absorbs light, creating a richit absorbs light, creating a rich
game. Embroidery white ongame. Embroidery white on
white — original art welcome. Itwhite — original art welcome. It
was associated in people withwas associated in people with
the beauty of frost patternsthe beauty of frost patterns

12. ““ I can't even say why exactly itI can't even say why exactly it
originated, says Nina ipatiy, aoriginated, says Nina ipatiy, a
member of the National Union ofmember of the National Union of
masters of folk art of Ukraine, themasters of folk art of Ukraine, the
inhabitant of Voronezh. — Weinhabitant of Voronezh. — We
pass this tradition from timepass this tradition from time
immemorial, our mothers knewimmemorial, our mothers knew
how to sew, and our childrenhow to sew, and our children
learned from us." The uniquenesslearned from us." The uniqueness
of this art is that you canof this art is that you can
embroider with white thread onembroider with white thread on
white cloth is very difficult,white cloth is very difficult,
especially for the eyes. Why areespecially for the eyes. Why are
these products considerably morethese products considerably more
expensive colored embroidery.expensive colored embroidery.
Surprisingly, but to master such aSurprisingly, but to master such a
complex technique of embroiderycomplex technique of embroidery
for some reason are unablefor some reason are unable
representatives of other regions.representatives of other regions.

13. Important point: never put the ornament onImportant point: never put the ornament on
the fabric. First, the master draws histhe fabric. First, the master draws his
"picture" on paper, and then, through a"picture" on paper, and then, through a
complex calculation, transfers the drawingcomplex calculation, transfers the drawing
onto the canvas. Yes, and thread foronto the canvas. Yes, and thread for
embroidery "pain" is a complex,embroidery "pain" is a complex,
painstaking work. For contrast add harshpainstaking work. For contrast add harsh
neben thread or tinted with ash tonesneben thread or tinted with ash tones
("marten").("marten").

14.  The peculiarity of PoltavaThe peculiarity of Poltava
embroidery is a combination ofembroidery is a combination of
floral and geometric ornaments –floral and geometric ornaments –
"periwinkle", "khmelik", "confusion","periwinkle", "khmelik", "confusion",
"chicken Wade", "zozulka". A"chicken Wade", "zozulka". A
favorite motif of Poltava embroideryfavorite motif of Poltava embroidery
is "branch", "broken tree". Theis "branch", "broken tree". The
basis of the geometrical ornamentbasis of the geometrical ornament
are simple shapes: straight andare simple shapes: straight and
oblique cross, square, diamond,oblique cross, square, diamond,
triangle, star-shaped motives.triangle, star-shaped motives.
Regarding colors, Poltava more likeRegarding colors, Poltava more like
light brown, grey and blue. Thislight brown, grey and blue. This
place is famous for its "red towels",place is famous for its "red towels",
which are embroidered without thewhich are embroidered without the
inside.inside.

15. About the benefits of its products artist can tellAbout the benefits of its products artist can tell
a lot: first, it is natural materials that havea lot: first, it is natural materials that have
always been appreciated all over the world, andalways been appreciated all over the world, and
secondly, this is a unique handmade, whichsecondly, this is a unique handmade, which
looks beautiful and has quality performance. —looks beautiful and has quality performance. —
Ukrainian traditional clothes. And then, thisUkrainian traditional clothes. And then, this
enormous energy that is transmitted fromenormous energy that is transmitted from
person to the one that did the job. Besidesperson to the one that did the job. Besides
white on white embroidery, assure masters,white on white embroidery, assure masters,
symbolizes the purity of the human soul, so thissymbolizes the purity of the human soul, so this
shirt helps to purify from everyday troubles.shirt helps to purify from everyday troubles.

16. Reshetylov tapestries hanging in the roomReshetylov tapestries hanging in the room
the UN and the Mariinsky Palacethe UN and the Mariinsky Palace
Reshetylivskyh carpet weavers, by the way —Reshetylivskyh carpet weavers, by the way —
mostly men. Piotr szewczyk, a master ofmostly men. Piotr szewczyk, a master of
painting, Courtel, says that this is a difficult andpainting, Courtel, says that this is a difficult and
expensive job. In addition to this product isexpensive job. In addition to this product is
difficult to find a client. "People who know aboutdifficult to find a client. "People who know about
these things, buy carpets from -450 400 hryvniathese things, buy carpets from -450 400 hryvnia
per square meter, tapestries — from 800-2000per square meter, tapestries — from 800-2000
UAH. The cost depends on the complexity ofUAH. The cost depends on the complexity of
the work performed. But these connoisseursthe work performed. But these connoisseurs
are not too many".are not too many".

17. Tapestry is like a handmade carpet, onTapestry is like a handmade carpet, on
which multi-colored wool or silk completedwhich multi-colored wool or silk completed
the picture. These products are used tothe picture. These products are used to
decorate walls, sometimes to the luxuriousdecorate walls, sometimes to the luxurious
upholstery of upholstered furniture. Inupholstery of upholstered furniture. In
mechanical terms gobelena technique ismechanical terms gobelena technique is
quite simple, but requires a lot of patience,quite simple, but requires a lot of patience,
experience and artistic "vein": to create aexperience and artistic "vein": to create a
beautiful tapestry, you must be somewhatbeautiful tapestry, you must be somewhat
of an artist and not just a weaver.of an artist and not just a weaver.

18. First, the master creates a thumbnail of theFirst, the master creates a thumbnail of the
tapestry. Then increase it to the required size,tapestry. Then increase it to the required size,
creating an artistic pattern. And creates thecreating an artistic pattern. And creates the
next masterpiece. The cost of such products isnext masterpiece. The cost of such products is
determined by a large amount of time. Fordetermined by a large amount of time. For
example, a professional master for 8 hours ofexample, a professional master for 8 hours of
your working day has only 8-10 cm (this isyour working day has only 8-10 cm (this is
assuming that the standard tapestry — aboutassuming that the standard tapestry — about
one meter). So worth the pleasure you can andone meter). So worth the pleasure you can and
up to $ 2000.up to $ 2000.

19. The main buyers reshetilovsky productsThe main buyers reshetilovsky products
are foreigners. From Ukrainianare foreigners. From Ukrainian
masterpieces they love. By the way, amasterpieces they love. By the way, a
huge tapestry reshetilov masters Hopeshuge tapestry reshetilov masters Hopes
Babenko "Tree of life" hanging in theBabenko "Tree of life" hanging in the
conference hall of the headquarters of UNconference hall of the headquarters of UN
in new York. Its products adorn the Palacein new York. Its products adorn the Palace
"Ukraine" and the Mariinsky Palace."Ukraine" and the Mariinsky Palace.