GENERAL EMBROIDERY, CUSHION COVER

An attractive hand embroidered cushion cover in traditional Hungarian floral design from Kalosca region, stitched mid 20th century.

Bold symmetrical design – two trees side by side with bold flowers - stitched in dark colours - brown, reddish brown and dark green worked in satin stitch, and stem stitch.

Three sides of the cushion cover have the edges embroidered in black triangular buttonhole stitch.

Opening at one short end, but no fastenings.

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.