Inlaid Square Boxes

Fine, handmade Hutsul woodwork is a traditional decorative artform. Quality works of this type are quite rare now. The works here were created during the flourishing of this craft and display the height of such artistry with examples by known artists (timeframe from 1960s-1970s). Please note that these items are vintage, and in the passing of time, they may experience some signs of their age. Their beauty, however, is eternal and will grace your home for generations.

Depending on the age and type of wood, as well as level of humidity and temperature, some items may be difficult to open, and there may be other signs of aging. They have been stored, and most have not been used.

The Hutsul region is in the southeast part of the Karpathians. Massive forests facilitated the use of wood in household and decorative arts and flat carving. The tradition of decorating wooden household items with carving stems back to Kyivan Rus’ with ornamentation on boxes, plates, chests, barrels, vases and other items. 

Carved and inlaid wood decorated Hutsul home interiors. The craft was passed on to other generations, adapted to the times with specialized tools, specific themes and details. In time, these works took on a more decorative role with ornamental plates, album covers, etc. 

Wood carving was dependent on the type of wood available, in terms of color, hardness, and grain. They made use of the colors and textures of different wood (oak, linden, alder, aspen as soft wood, and pear as hardwood). Painted decorations were quite rare.

In addition to carving, works were decorated with wood inlay of various colors as well as materials such as: mother of pearl, tin, wire, beads, horn and others.