Buyan Island Cross Stitch Pattern

Description

Buyan Island cross stitch pattern was inspired by a 1905 illustration by Russian artist Ivan Bilibin. The illustration appeared in his self-published edition of Alexander Pushkin’s famous poem — The Tale of the Tsar Saltan.

The Project

The design is classic Art Nouveau and depicts the mystical Buyan Island. In Russian folklore, Buyan Island had magical powers and could disappear and reappear with the tides.

We’ve done our best to recreate the artist’s fantastic colour palette using varying shades of jade green, burnt orange, garnet, and antique violet. And if you look along the border (right-hand-side)you’ll find our version of the artist’s Russian insignia.

Buyan Island cross stitch is a large, full coverage project but we know you’ll love the vintage design elements, unusual patterns and colour combinations. It will look fantastic on it’s own, or displayed along with the whole Tsar of Saltan Series.

The Artist

Ivan Bilibin was a Russian artist who lived from 1876 – 1942. He is famous for his fantastic illustrations of fairy tales and ancient Russian history, dress, and folklore. Apart from book illustrations, Bilibin also created stage props, posters, programs, and stationary for operas, ballets, and large events.

He is recognised as one of Russia’s most important Art Nouveau artists and his artwork has even been depicted on Russian postage stamps (circa 1960s).

Keep calling back to the store as we transform more of Ivan Bilibin‘s wonderful illustrations into cross stitch projects.

Additional information