The method

The word pysanka comes from the verb pysaty, "to write". Symbolic designs are written on eggs in hot wax with a special stylus called a kistka — a wooden stick with a small metal funnel at one end:

• The kistka is heated over a candle flame, and beeswax is scooped into the hot funnel, melting the wax, and applying it to the egg. The wax cools and hardens immediately, sealing that colour onto the egg.

• The egg is then dyed multiple colours, progressing from lightest to darkest, adding more details to the egg. At each stage, the areas covered with wax resist the proceeding dye colours.

• After the egg has been dipped in the darkest colour, comes the most magical part – heating the egg to melt away all the wax, and reveal the beautiful colours and designs underneath.

The Artform | Symbols & Legends