A kistka is a traditional tool used in the art of Pysanky, which is the Ukrainian technique of decorating eggs. This tool is typically made of a small funnel attached to a wooden handle. It allows artists to apply hot wax onto the egg's surface, creating intricate designs that resist dye during the coloring process.
Once the egg is fully decorated and dyed, the wax is removed by heating it, revealing the vibrant patterns underneath. The kistka is essential for achieving the detailed and colorful designs that characterize Ukrainian Easter eggs, making it a vital instrument in this cultural craft.