Embroidery of Kalocsa

The embroidery of Kalocsa belongs to folk embroidery groups which uses freehand drawings and mixed style of stitchings. This also means that in its peculiar style it is not bound to any form, color or stitching technique. Even amongst the rhythmically repeated motifs we can find variations. The character of the original folk embroidery of Kalocsa is, that in drawing and in color the same motifs twice can't appear. There is no well known folk artist in Kalocsa who will repeat exactly a motif.
If on an embroidery of Kalocsa the pattern is symmetrical and the motif repeats itself it is not an original folk art. Even if a pattern looks symmetrical at first glance, when examined in details one can see differences in the drawing and colors of the pattern as the picture below shows it clearly.

Multicolored embroidery. Apron (1935)
Photo Bakonyi Béla, from the book of Pécsiné, Ács Sarolta: "Kalocsa népmüvészete" (1970)

It is impossible to count the motives used in the folk art of Kalocsa because of the countless variations, but Veronika Kákonyi, of Szakmár, collected 529 basic motif.

That the folk art in Kalocsa went through many changes the photos below can testify.

Scarf (1890)
Photo Bakonyi Béla, from the book of Pécsiné, Ács Sarolta: "Kalocsa népmüvészete" (1970)

Embroidery from the beginning of 20th century. Shirtsleeve.
Photo Bakonyi Béla, from the book of Pécsiné, Ács Sarolta: "Kalocsa népmüvészete" (1970)

Chasubles made in Vancouver, using patterns of the folkart of Kalocsa

Details of chalice's covers

Hemp pillow case

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I took the following pictures in stores in Kalocsa, July 1999.

Laces

Blue laces

Embroedery

Table cloth (partial)

Maris Kakas with head cover
Photo: Ferenc Draskovich 1932

Kalocsa Wall painting Rökk K,