Mezőkövesd Matyó Embroidery by Marianna Varga

RECOMMENDATION

Mariann Varga ethnographer has been engaged in both national and local Hungarian folk art for almost 50 years.

Her book presents a historical record of the world-famous embroidery, the matyó work and its makers. The reader can learn about the old style ( early 17th 18th century) and the new peasant style ( 19th century) which marked the heyday of the matyó embroidery. It also presents the latest work of arts : the latest trend and several arts and crafts. It also testifies that the matyó embroidery is not only a show-piece but a living tradition that is broadcasting the power of the creative folk artists. The book also provides stitching techniques and raw material and thread ideas thus helping to preserve this tradition. The book is illustrated by many of the high-standard artworks of Mrs Kertész, a great professional folk artist of the nation. You can also learn about the art of duplication, enlarging and making miniatures.

This book is a much and long needed work. It is a unique monograpy that has revealed such depths of the features of the matyó embroidery. It also uniquely presents the more than half a century past and of the the folk art. The drawings, practical guidelines, excellent illustration materials convey rich information material not only for the experts but for parctical embroiderers.

Hajna Barsi

The book is available in Hungarian!