Despite the seemingly simple technology, the crafts have their secrets that are strictly protected and inherited only by close relatives. More than 5000 people are employed in weaving industry in Iza. Famous masters are well-known far outside our country: Vasyl Chokhnay, Vasyl Kemin, Vasyl Pasulko, Vasyl Halas and many other representatives of family dynasties. Among them also Vira Vuchkan, who actively promotes this art, generously shares her knowledge and rich experience in master classes.

Weaving is far not the first stage of production. It is preceded by harvesting the willow tree vine. It is cut from early spring to late autumn, and is being processed using special tools.

In order to popularize the famous tradition, “Iza-Fest” festival was founded, during which the wizards of the vine demonstrate their skill. Various promotions are arranged as part of the event in order facilitate the popularization of the craft.

The project was implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation

The project was implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation

Communal Institution «Regional Organizational and Methodical Center of Culture» of Zakarpattia Oblast Council

Communal Institution «Regional Organizational and Methodical Center of Culture» of Zakarpattia Oblast Council

Online HUB ICH of Transcarpathia, 2019
© All rights reserved

The project was implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation

The project was implemented with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation

Online HUB ICH of Transcarpathia , 2019 



za village that is located not far from district center – Khust, is considered to be the capital of vine weaving in Transcarpathia. The village is unique – you will not find anything like this not only in Ukraine, but in the world. It’s a real open-air museum, a huge fair! Dozens, hundreds of wicker products are represented almost in every yard. Among them are furniture – beds, chairs, tables, armchairs, swings, benches, sofas and many others. Craftsmen also weave “kosharky” – baskets of household purpose, various decorative products. To make it short, you will find here everything your soul desires. They say that in Izza anything could be produced from the vine for you. They even can weave a car or a plane, though decorative.

The possibilities of local craftsmen are endless, because they are engaged in the craft since their grandfather and grandgrandfather times. This craft was born in Iza in early nineteenth century. Among the initiators was a dweller of the village Ivan Kashko and his sons. It is not known exactly where and when the first basket appeared here, but there is reliable information that during the Austria-Hungarian period here was a workshop for production of furniture from the vine. By the way, the son of the world-famous artist Auguste Renoir – Jean – mentioned in his book that on veranda of his father were wicker pieces of furniture from Austria-Hungary. By the way, at that time the products of craftsmen from our land were exported to almost all European countries. Therefore, it is most likely that the furniture was from Transcarpathia, which was a part of the great empire.





Iza is a village in Khust redion

Population: 5800 inhabitants

Сoordinates: 48° 12′ 50″ N, 23° 19′ 43″ E

Distances: Kiev – 781 km • Uzhhorod – 116 km • Khust – 6 km

The first written mention: 1387

Website: http://iza.rada.org.ua

Communal Institution «Regional Organizational and Methodical Center of Culture» of Zakarpattia Oblast Council

Communal Institution «Regional Organizational and Methodical Center of Culture» of Zakarpattia Oblast Council

© All rights reserved