Ukrainian bump: peculiarities of fabric decoration technique

In the world of various methods of fabric decoration, Ukrainian embossing occupies a special place. It was not just a way of decorating fabric, its samples have great historical and artistic value.

This technique consists in applying ornaments to the fabric with the help of special carved boards, forms, wooden clichés, machines, etc.

This process requires great skill and patience. The canvas was either placed on top of a board smeared with paint, and rolled on top with a roller, or vice versa, a carved board covered with a layer of paint was placed on the canvas, pressed with a second board and beaten so that the paint took hold.

Most often, a monochrome punch was made, if several colors were used, the ornament was made in stages, using a separate board for each color.

This technique made it possible to make a fabric similar to factory fabric, to apply any pattern in a less time-consuming way than, for example, embroidery, which greatly facilitated the work of women. Skirts, aprons, handkerchiefs, towels, etc., were sewn from the beaten fabric.

Ukrainian vybyka has its own unique history and style, which reflect the spirit of the people and its cultural traditions. Ornaments used in Ukrainian vybyka often had a symbolic meaning related to the customs, beliefs and history of the Ukrainian people.

Unfortunately, at the beginning of the 20th century, with the appearance of a large selection of available factory fabric, the technique of punching completely disappeared from everyday life.

Ukrainian embossing is not only a way of decorating fabric, but also an art that lived and developed while maintaining its authenticity.

Source: State Scientific Architectural and Building Library named after V.G. Zabolotny