käänevormi

käänevormi is a traditional Estonian decorative technique that involves creating intricate folds and curves in wooden or plaster surfaces. The term literally translates to “bend mould” and refers both to the physical moulds used to shape the material and to the resulting ornamental pattern. Historically, käänevormi was most commonly employed in rural Estonian farmhouses, where the technique was used to embellish doors, windowsills, and ceiling panels. Craftsmen would carve a flexible mould of wood or soften plaster and press it repeatedly to produce a continuous, repeating ribbon of curves that added a subtle sense of movement to otherwise plain walls.

The art of käänevormi developed in the 18th and 19th centuries, when Estonian artisans began to experiment with combining functional architecture and folk aesthetics. The technique required a great deal of skill because the mould had to be crafted precisely to produce symmetrical folds when transferred to the plaster or wood. In the 20th century, the craft experienced a decline as industrialised building methods replaced handcrafted details, but recent folk‑craft revivals have rekindled interest in käänevormi. Presently, workshops across Estonia offer courses in the technique, and the distinctive wavy patterns can still be seen in restored historic villages such as Haapsalu and Otepää. Practitioners regard käänevormi as a vital link to the country’s cultural heritage and a testament to the ingenuity of rural artisans.