In the shadows of the Balkan Mountains in Central Bulgaria, residents in the village of Kalofer have been making lace for more than one hundred years. The artisans initially drew inspiration from traditional Belgian patterns, but over time they developed their own designs, evoking images of ephemeral snowflakes, and silk-like spiderwebs. In Bulgarian, the lace is known as Калоферска Дантела (Kaloferska Dantela).
Today, artisans of all ages painstakingly craft the delicate masterpieces, transforming thread into pieces that depict swans, flowers, peacocks, and even amoeba-shaped flourishes destined for women’s dresses.
I photographed these pieces at Kalofer’s Lace Festival, which takes place every August 15th. More on that, and off-the-beaten-path Kalofer soon!
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
Where in the World?
Related articles
Filed under: Art and Culture, Collages Tagged: Bulgaria, Central Bulgaria, crafts, Kalofer, lace
