North American Auction Company
Live Auction

Wild West Wonders: May Collector's Auction Event

Sat, May 18, 2024 11:00AM EDT
Lot 567

Framed Ukrainian Pysanky & Fish Scale Art (2)

Estimate: $200 - $400

Bid Increments

Price Bid Increment
$0 $5
$50 $10
$100 $25
$500 $50
$1,000 $100
$2,000 $250
$5,000 $500
$10,000 $1,000
$25,000 $2,500
$100,000 $5,000
Featured in this lot is this framed Ukrainian Pysanky egg and leaf and framed fish scale flower art done by First Nations Kathy Maccagno in Lac La Biche circa mid to late 1900s. The first framed piece houses half of a hand painted Ukrainian Pysanky and a dried, red maple leaf to the left of the egg. The art of decorating eggs, or Pysanky, dates back to ancient times. The word "pysanka" comes from the Ukrainian verb "pysaty", which means "to write". The Trypillian culture, which predated modern-day Ukraine, is where the custom first emerged. The locals held the sun in high regard and considered it to be the origin of all life. Because of their belief that birds are the sun God's chosen creations, springtime rituals began to include eggs decorated with symbols of nature. Throughout the Soviet occupation of Ukraine after World War II and until 1991, the custom of decorating Pysanky was not widely followed. The custom has been revived since Ukraine gained its independence back. The pre-Christian Ukrainians thought that the eggs could prevent starvation, control weather, safeguard health, prevent infertility, and shield homes from fire. The egg shows colors of yellow, orange, red, white and black with geometric designs and a sheaf (bundle of wheat) in the center. The leaf shows the iconic Maple leaf shape and has a nice, red color. Both pieces sit in a gold colored wood frame and are set behind glass, sitting on a white background. The back of the frame features a small write-up on this history of the Pysanky. The frame measures 6 3/16" L x 6 3/16" W x 1 3/8" D. The second framed piece is a flower created from dried fish scales done by Kathy Maccagno. The piece shows intricate detail and design with scales having been folded to add depth and detail. It shows two flowers with a third coming off of the top of the right most petals. The flowers show colors of green and very light pink. The piece is set in a shadow box style dark wood frame and is matted twice with red and white matting paper. The piece shows good condition overall with little to no wear present and no damage noted. The piece measures 9 5/16" L x 7 1/4" W x 1 7/8" D. The collective weight of both pieces is 1 pound and 6 ounces.