What Is Pyrography?
The term means "writing with fire" from the Greek words pur (fire) and graphos (writing).Pyrography or pyrogravure is the art of decorating or writing on wood or other materials (like leather) with burn marks resulting from the controlled application of a heated object.
Early man’s first, albeit primitive, marks on walls documented their life and helped communication with each other. The discovery of fire was such an epic life saver and turning point.
By using the charcoal that remained from their fires, early man discovered patterns could be created, designs could be achieved and stories could be told.
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The natural instinctive progression of man’s intuition sent this progression forward from using stone (or much later – metal). They discovered that scraping off the burnt black surface allowed the underlying natural wood to show through. This created the path for inspired designs and patterns in a different form. But this was a method that had a temporary effect.
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Dating back before the first century, pyrography had begun making its mark (pardon the pun) on stunning and fascinating relics throughout Peru and Roman Britain. Using heated metal objects directly from the fire to burn their preferred medium meant permanent art was created. This very simple, but effective method was in use until Medieval times.
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As time progressed, in particular the Medieval, Renaissance and Victorian period, wood burning became an established and very much popular pastime.
Much later man’s evolution in technology had advanced. With the employment of metal implements, it meant that basic pyrography tools were manufactured.
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Like many tools, the pyrography tools evolved over time. So, the first actual pyrography method (called Pokerwork) consisted of a portable stove/pot, and the lid had multiple holes of which various pointed pokers with nibs were inserted and heated by the hot coals that were encased inside. Naturally the pokers would cool down fast, this challenge was lessened by the use of many hot pokers being used maintaining work momentum.
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Today's machines are amazing and today's artists create amazing pieces.
It is a very challenging and rewarding skill (not to mention absorbing) and the results can be breathtakingly beautiful.
Pyrography is certainly different and very special. It creates an unrivalled personal touch. We simply love it! It is a wonderful collaboration of the elements - fire and earth.
We apply this technique to wood signs and are gradually expanding our range to other pieces of home décor.
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We certainly hope you find much happiness in your pyrographed piece, as we certainly found happiness crafting it for you ♥