As I mentioned in my previous article, Ukrainian design has a certain ambiguous charm and patriotism. Artisans are no different, but they bring centuries of tradition and work to life in their objects. But can the authentic three-branched candelabrum fit in today’s living room? The answer from Hutsul Authentica is yes, of course!
Two brothers and their father, Mykola, Vasyl, and Dmytro Boruky, founded their brand in 2019, building on a much deeper tradition beyond the spirit of the family business. The main goal of Hutsul Authentica is to promote and maintain the value of Hutsul folk art, which they achieve first and foremost by reviving the craft. One of the most famous objects produced by the brand is the three-branched candelabrum, an iconic piece not only for the Hutsul communities but also for the collective Ukrainian culture. As one of the founders, Vasyl Boruk said: “The identity begins with language and art, so it is essential for us to experience and understand it. We perform each candlestick as if it were the last one we make, investing all our positive energy and skills in it”.
The ornate three-branched candelabrum is a liturgical ornament made of solid wood, whose branches symbolize the Trinitas, or Trinity. They were suitable for both church and domestic use, although the church pieces were more ornate and elaborate, while the domestic ones were made with more straightforward compositions and less skilled craftsmanship. Hutsul Autenthica aims to channel the ancient culture and craft of woodworking to contemporary needs while preserving them from disappearing. As a result, their repertoire includes a range of ornaments that can be equally special objects in a bohemian interior or a clean space.
Who are the Hutsuls, you may well ask? If you’ve heard of the Hutsul horse or the Hutsul Pysanky, you’ve come to the right place. The Hutsuls are a group of Rusyns living in the western part of Ukraine, in Transcarpathia, whose art has had a profound influence on those around them. In addition to their ornate folk costumes, they were also important craftsmen, and masters of woodcarving, who were also influenced by religious symbols. Their wooden churches have a folk character which also had an impact on the architecture of their surroundings.
Hutsul Authentica is not only fighting for the preservation of cultural heritage but also for the contemporary design community. The brand is also part of the overseas i am u are movement, whose online marketplace features their products.
Hutsul Authentica | Instagram
Following the thread of your destiny—Terra Poetica
Canteen #8—Pickles
