The design/motif is more characteristic of eastern Podillia than western in its geometric pattern with ruzha motifs.  It has a triangle division, one that is frequently found in this region.   Below we have Onyshchuk’s photo (colors are off) on the left; a pysanka from Nemyrivshchyna in western Podillia is on the right (Kulzhynsky 1242).  You can see a similar division, placement of ruzhi, and color scheme.

The use of yellow/gold, red and black, as well as the use of bold but simple divisions is common in eastern Podillia.

Eight-Pointed Star (Ruzha)

Technical details: This is a moderately difficult pysanka, although geometric, it has much detail. It has a basic “Triangles” division.

As with most traditional designs, a medium y stylus is best for the lines, and of course a heavy one for waxing in.  

This pattern utilizes yellow/gold, red and black dyes. For the red, I prefer a deeper color, as opposed to a bright scarlet.  A mix of UGS scarlet and red (one pack each) gives a lovely result. To create a more traditional version of this pysanka gold is preferred to yellow dye.

The line width in the example above should probably been a bit heavier.  A traditional pysanka such as this, with a simple design, should have heavier (medium) lines. The fine lines work only because there is much coloring in.

Download these pattern sheets:

English

Ukrainian

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