Traditional pysanky are those created using traditional folk motifs and designs.  The pysanky in these albums use these ancient designs, but the artists often utilize modern techniques, equipment and dyes (more vibrant colors).  The patterns used are from various regions of Ukraine.

The photos in the first album are of pysanky that I purchased in Eastern Ukraine, namely Kyiv, although some come from the western parts of Ukraine, too.  The designs vary in degree of authenticity, and the colors on a few are very non-traditional, but they are variations on a traditional design rather than original work. 

I’ve set aside separate pages for Hutzul pysanky, which are created by Hutzul artisans from the Carpathian mountains of Ukraine.  The style of these pysanky is different from that of the rest of Ukraine.  Hutsul artisans use distinct motifs and create much more intricate designs than anyone besides the Bukovynians (most of whom are Hutsul, ethnically speaking).  Modern Hutsul pysanky often employ a characteristic yellow-green-red-black color scheme (heavy on the yellow), especially those from Kosmach, which also make heavy use of “resheto” (yellow and red hatchwork).  The eggs shown have been “reconstructed,” reinforced to preserve and protect them, by a technique discovered in Kolomyia (Ivano-Frankivs’k oblast), as demonstrated in the last album.

(Note: Hutsul artisans have been incorporating Romanian color schemes and motifs into their designs in recent years.  Blue pysanky, and the 12 diamonds division, while pretty, are imported and non-traditional.  I have included them on the Nontraditional pages as exemplars of current Hutsul pysanky.)