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Polish Folk Art explained in a few words

    Polish Folk Art

    For centuries since the dawn of feudalism, a traditional folk art has thrived in the villages and small towns of Poland. This art is intimately connected with the everyday life and a local interest of the common people as well as it reflects the uniqueness of each of Poland’s regions.

    Folk art includes not only such standard forms as painting, sculpture and wood engraving, but also decorative art, such as paper cut-outs, decorations made of straw, and painted Easter eggs. Folk art also includes weaving, embroidery, pottery, wooden vessels and household utensils and metal products.

    Folk art is still very much alive in many regions of Poland. Today, its lasting artistic value and the specific features of its content and style give this art a high place in Poland’s national culture.

    Handicrafts from Łowicz – particularly worth noticing. They are created by sticking layers of subsequent elements. Not only the shape, but also the color, plays a very important role here. The Lowicz cutout is a composition that uses 5, 7, and sometimes even 10 colors. The so-called “gwiozdy” – symmetrical compositions, filled with floral motives are the most popular.

    Embroidery is a well-known branch of Lowicz handicraft. Traditionally, it was made with colorful threads on black velvet. The most characteristic Lowicz embroidery’s patterns are the bouquets of stylized flowers. The most common motive is a rose, but pansies and other flowers are often used as well. Paper cutouts developed in mid-19th century, mainly in central and eastern Poland, and were one of the most important forms of house decoration.

    Handicraft from Lowicz enchants, above all, with the richness of colors. In every field of this art, color plays a key role. That is why we especially recommend this handicraft to all who want to revive, lighten and add the expression to the interior design or the outfit.

    Łowicz patterns

    Wycinanki – decorative paper cut-outs are regarded by many as the most beautiful in the world. They were used to decorate the walls of ceiling beams in countryside cottages and given as gifts to family members and friends. The colorful cut-outs of flowers, circles and stars with a symmetrical arrangement reflect a particularly high level of artistry. In addition to the multi-coloured cut-outs of peacocks, roosters and other birds, there are also decorative scenes depicting special events throughout the year. The decorative cut-outs became popular throughout Poland in the middle of the 19th century, and remain a treasured form of Polish folk art.

    Wycinanki
    Wall Paintings
    Embroidery

    Wooden Boxes – plain or richly decorated, are miniature samples of trunks that were traditionally part of the bride trousseau. The Polish hand carved wood boxes have been made in Tatra Mountains of Poland for over a millennium. These wooden keepsake boxes were presented in the past as exclusive gifts to royal families throughout Europe and used to keep treasured possessions. The wooden carved boxes are adorned with designs based on floral and geometrical shapes.

    Wooden Boxes

    Pisanki Eggs – richly ornamented using various techniques. The word ‘pisanka’ is derived from the verb ‘pisać’ which in contemporary Polish means exclusively ‘to write’ yet in old Polish meant also ‘to paint’. Originating as a pagan tradition, pisanki were absorbed by Christianity to become the traditional Easter Egg.

    Pisanki Eggs

    Zalipie village – located in Lesser Poland voivodeship, it is the only place in Poland where house walls are still adorned with traditional floral ornaments. Every year on Corpus Christi a contest is organised for which local painters prepare elaborate floral compositions. It is for this custom that Zalipie has won international fame and recognition.

    Zalipie village