This pysanka egg was handmade following the traditional dye and wax method. Pysanka is derived from the Ukrainian verb pysaty, which means “to write”. The designs are written or drawn on the egg with melted beeswax, which flows from a writing instrument known as a kystka. The writing is done on successively different colored backgrounds. These backgrounds are produced by dipping the egg in a series of dyebaths, progressing from the lightest to the darkest color. A beautiful and intricate pattern is revealed when the wax layers are removed. The more intricate the design and the more colors an egg has, the longer it takes to make it.