The craft of reedknitting is one of the most ancient techmique for creating natural light and lasting objects, that make life easier. It is present in many countries of the Earth, and it's been through different ways of evolution and developed different techniques and applications.
The craft is deeply rooted in the traditional
hungarian folk culture which (as folk arts generally) had primarily utility
functions: the craftsman created useful and lasting reed baskets, hats, healthy
knitted slippers, practical plate- and pot supports.
The craft has been and is present primarily on those regions, where the presence
of standing water maked the existence of sedge possible, which is the base
material for reeds. The riped sedge is cut in a certain time of the year,
in autumn, and after drying the material now named reeds may be prepared.
This water-plant character is what makes the fibrous reeds resisting to washing
or to any other humidity. The flexibility of reeds is obtained by soaking,
and after drying the reeds keep their shaped forms.
In Transylvania reedknitting is rooted in the northwest region and in the Partium, and in Mures (Maros) county (more than 300 years).
In the hands of Torella reeds became the base
material for unknown techniques. Abandoning the world of traditional objects
of use, the creations now belonging to the distinct world of artistic decorations
came into existence through new knitting and inventive combining techniques
without sticking, using only natural materials.
The uniquely designed and manufactured creations are grouped in the following
categories:
- Wall ornaments. Characterized by shaman and traditional hungarian
folk motifs.
- Ghostchasers. Fabriqued on the base of transylvanian german tradition,
the angels dance as the wind blows, and make the bad spirits dissappear.
- Masks. Made out of reeds, used as wall ornaments. There are many
different types.
- Wooden spoon dolls. The wooden spoon dolls dressed in traditional
costumes represent the traditional way of clothing of different nations.
- Shaman chairs. Special creations, which are created on the base of
ancient shaman chairs.
- Angles. Reed dolls with various sizes, based on the unique ideea
of Torella.
- Decorated bottles. Bottles wrapped in reeds, wich often go above
the traditional bottle decorating techniques.
- Unique postcards.
- Uniquely designed and manufactured jewels (nacklaces, bracelets,
earrings, etc.). All made from natural materials.
The most well-known creations among all are her reeds statues, recognized
to be unique on international level. These statues generally represent scenes
from folk life, and many times the characters are inspired from flesh and
blood persons. Besides these, there are also modern dolls representing ballet
dancers and dolls in classical dresses. The making of a reeds statue takes
weeks due to their fine preparation.
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