Antique Matyo Hungarian silk Embroidered Round Tablecloth with long fringes

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Antique Matyo Hungarian silk Embroidered Round Tablecloth with long fringes :
$225.00

Description

This is a decorative Hungarian Matyo embroidered silk table coverdating from the early 20th Century. Thetop is 24” across and the frill at 9” long. The piece is in excellent condition and vibrant with a multi colored, silk floral design.

The colorful folk art motifs from Hungary may be visiblyrecognizable as examples of traditional Hungarian design. However, less knownis the fact that one particular style has its origins in Mezőkövesd and iscalled Matyó. Heavy embroidery adorning clothing and decorative textiles forthe home, as well as bright patterns decorating household objects arecharacteristic of Matyo folk art. This regional art form is protected as one ofHungary’s Intangible World Heritage elements.

The folk art of the Roman Catholic Matyó community in andaround the town of Mezőkövesd in north-Eastern Hungary is characterized byfloral motifs that are found in flat-stitch embroidery and ornamented objects.Matyó embroidery decorates the traditional dress of the region, worn by localpeople in celebratory events and in folk dancing and singing. The floral motifshave played a crucial part in strengthening the self-image and identity of theMatyó community and are employed in interior decoration, contemporary fashionand architecture, in addition to embroidery. Community members established theMatyó Folk Art Association in 1991 to transmit the skills of embroidery andorganize numerous cultural events and performances. In its Borsóka EmbroideryCircle, anyone can learn the art, techniques and motifs of embroidery fromexperienced masters. In its Folk Dance Ensemble, members wear the finelyembroidered traditional costumes, thereby contributing to their perpetuation.The national popularity of Matyó embroidery has made it into a form ofauxiliary income, enabling women to buy the fine fabrics and supplies necessaryfor making elaborate costumes. Most often practised as a communal activity,embroidery strengthens interpersonal relationships and community cohesion,while allowing for individual artistic expression.”