artist upgrades traditional ukrainian rugs with pokémon and star wars patterns

ukrainian artist and founder of OLK manufactory okasana levchenya designs traditional kilims (uk. carpets) with a contemporary take — the common antique patterns turn into pokémon characters and other famous fantastic figures. hiding amid trees and flowers, pikachu and master yoda are hand-woven using the very technique the local craftsmen developed centuries ago.

the vertical kilims are produced at kiev-based workshop OLK manufactory using the unique traditional technique of the 16th century. tapestries and carpets by OLK are made of natural materials — the base of the kilim is hemp thread, while the carpet cloth itself is made of dyed natural wool of carpathian sheep or vegetable yarn from nettle.

each stage of production is realized directly in the workshop. since there are no machines used in the kilim production process, it takes several months to create one carpet. through abundant use of colors and geometric shapes, levchenya combines the esthetics of ukrainian modernism and traditional weaving technique.

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: maria erman | designboom