Mezen Heart Russian North Ethnic

Machine Embroidery Assembled designs for hoop 8x8" and split for hoops 5x7" and 6x8".

Mezen painting (Мезе́нская ро́спись) is one of the most ancient Russian folk art handicrafts originated in the early 19th century (The oldest dated distaff with Mezen painting is dated to the year 1815) in the lower reaches of the Mezen river of the Arkhangelsk region. During long winter evenings Russian people who lived there expressed their feelings, hopes and beliefs in painting of household utensils: trunks, boxes, ladles, distaffs, spinning wheels, buckets, boxes, chests, etc. Traditionally, the items decorated with Mezen painting have only two colors - red and black. Every detail in Mezen ornament patterns is deeply symbolic. Every little square and diamond, leaf and branch, beast and bird are put just in the right place to be able to tell us the story of the forest and the wind, the earth and the sky, thoughts of the artist and ancient images of northern Russian Slavs. The three tiers stand for the three realms: the lower, middle and upper, i.e. the underground, above-ground and heavenly realms. The symbols of animals, birds, harvest, fire, sky and other elements represent a sort of ancient writing that pass on the traditions of peoples of the North of Russia. Thus, for example, the image of the horse for the people of the Russian North also served as an amulet (often put on the roof ridge), and the symbol of the sun, fertility, and the source of earthly blessings.
See photos for details and sizing.

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