Eggsquisite Art: Romania’s Stunning Traditional Craft of Egg Painting
The small village of Ciocăneşti in Romania is known for its elaborate motifs that adorn its buildings, and these designs are reflected in the decorated eggs. The art of egg painting has elevated the Easter tradition of dyeing eggs into a captivating and awe-inspiring art form.
As Easter approaches, the art of egg painting takes center stage in Bukovina, Romania. Elena Craciunescu, one of a dozen egg painters in the village of Ciocăneşti, applies intricate wax designs on clean and drained eggs using an iron-tipped stick called a kishitze. The eggs are then dipped into dye baths and painted with wax before being submerged into other dyes to create a stunning layering effect. The wax protects the egg from each dye bath and allows it to retain the color from the previous dip. The final step involves melting the wax with heat and revealing the intricate and vibrant pattern beneath.
Top image: Lady making traditional decorated eggs in the Bukovina Region of Romania. Source: Matthew / Adobe Stock.