GENERAL EMBROIDERY, COASTER

Identical set of 3 attractive hand embroidered coasters in traditional Hungarian floral design from the Kalocsa region,

stitched latter half of 20th century. A floral spray on left hand side of each coaster is stitched in bright colours in satin and stem stitches. The scalloped edge is machine embroidered in white cotton thread.

There were 6 coasters, but due to lack of storage space, only 3 were kept.

The oldest needlework in Hungary, produced in noble houses, was connected with the name of

a royal lady. Queen Gizella and her husband Saint Stephen, together founded many Christian churches.

In her religious zeal, Queen Gizella established a weaving and embroidery school to provide the necessary surplices.

Cross stitch is found all over the country, but curiously it is almost entirely missing from the embroidery done by the wives and daughters of noblemen.

The embroidery in each region in Hungary had characteristic features.

Kalocsa - colour is the most striking feature.

Sarkoz - here every line and outline is in chain stitch.

Buzak - wool embroidery remarkable for its abstract forms.

Matyo - satin stitch and looped stitch are used mainly on flower shapes.