These real eggshells are decorated with Traditional Ukrainian Pysanky designs and also nontraditional designs.  All kinds of eggshells can be used from large ostrich eggs to tiny parakeet eggs.  No eggs are ever taken from the wild as this is against the law.   
 
Pysanky or Ukrainian Easter Eggs, are decorated using beeswax and dyes that are applied in layers. The word Pysanka is derived from the Ukrainian word pysat which means “to write”. 

This is an excerpt from the book “How to Decorate Beautiful Ukrainian Easter Eggs Pysanky" by Luba Perchyshyn:  

"Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating has been handed down through generations of the Ukrainian people.  They are famous the world over for their colorful Easter Eggs (Pysanky). Over 2000 years ago, before the time of Christ, people decorated eggs believing that great powers were embodied in the egg. Eggs symbolized the release of the earth from the shackles of winter and the coming of spring with its promise of new hope, new life and prosperity. With the advent of Christianity, Easter eggs symbolize the Resurrection and a promise of eternal life. Legend has it that as long as Pysanky are decorated, goodness will prevail over evil throughout the world.”
 
The batik process uses a stylus (or Kistka) to write lines in wax on the eggshell.  The area under the wax is protected and will retain its color during subsequent dyeing.  The egg is generally dyed from the lightest to the darkest color in dye baths.  Wax lines are applied after each eggshell coloring.  At the end, all of the wax is carefully melted off to reveal the brilliant design and a protective finish is applied.
 
Pysanky are steeped in symbolism.  Traditionally, every color and picture had a symbolic meaning and the design of the egg was tailored to the person it was to be given to.
 
For a general meaning of the designs and colors see the Ukrainian Gift Shop under “the art of Pysanky.”  (see links page)