Traditions revisited in Budapest
A new exhibition on the expertise of Hungarian crafts revisited – between tradition and modernity – was presented in a new site recently restored Royal Palace of Buda on the edge of the Danube, hoisting the intangible heritage in the core of Hungarian culture and EU in this highly historical and tourist spot.
This event is a true recognition for this unique festival in Europe by the richness of authentic handicrafts.
Hungarian handicrafts are still alive today ; the most common are :
Bone carving : small goods made traditionaly by peasants and herdsmen
Woodworking : the origin comes from Capathian Basin with a lot of craftmen : carpenters, shingle –makers, coopers, cabinet makers making painted and engraved furniture with Carpathian motifs.
Bead Jewellery : made with a lot of natural materials such as mineral, wood or bones or manufacturing material such as glass or porcelain.
Embroidery : different types of thread or stitches such as cross stitch, satin stitch or buttonhole stitch etc.
Lace : differents types of famous bobbin lace such as Balatonendredi, Hunnia and Moga which adorned interior of houses or clothes.
Pottery : a great variety of materials for tableware or bakeware. Unglazed coloured with earthen dyes, tinglazed and black pottery.
Egg Decorating : a usual gift in the traditional spring fertility rites practiced on Easter in Eastern Europe.
Indigo Dying : after a printed process of indigo, the fabric or blue and white eastern porcelain feature, became an integral part of the Hungarian textile culture. These very popular printed textiles are used in various garments, tablecloths or bed linens.
Woven textiles : Hungarian woven textiles are made in different materials, flax, whole, cotton, hemp with woven lace or simple stripes or included flower patterns. These traditionnal homespun textiles are even very popular in Hungary to adorne interior houses.
Iron work : all kinds of items are wrought by masters to decorate their tools or to make objects. Ornmental smiths make wonderfull artistic creations adorning building, windows, gates or fences.
Felt products : toys, carpets, bags and small goods are traditionaly used but even today.