Palekh –
Icons to Souvenir Boxes to Icons
Exhibition
Checklist with Images
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The wonderful miniature lacquer boxes created by Palekh
artists are well known throughout the world, but less well appreciated
is the extraordinary craftsmanship that goes into the creation of these
boxes. Even less well known is the history of the village of Palekh
and its traditions, which for centuries was a center for the production
of exceptional icons and religious works. Palekh: Icons to Souvenir
Boxes to Icons exhibition showcases spectacular examples of this
tradition.
Most Americans are familiar with
the exquisitely hand painted black lacquer boxes (shkatulki)
produced by the masters of the village of Palekh. The boxes are so ubiquitous
as souvenirs that there is often very little appreciation of the exceptional
artistic qualities of the originals. If you were to ask most American
tourists what souvenirs they associate with Russia it would be nesting
dolls (matryoshkas) and Palekh souvenir boxes—making
little distinction between the originals and various knockoffs, including
decoupage, copies or simple paintings. However, for the trained eye,
the originals are easy to discern based on the quality construction
of papier-mâché boxes, the subject matter (usually Russian
fairy tales), and the exceptional delicacy of the miniatures drawn and
painted by Palekh masters.
FIAE is presenting this project in cooperation with
the Russian Federation Ministry of Culture Exhibition Bureau ROSIZO.
FIAE and its partners have designed the exhibition that presents the
true artistry and unique creations of Palekh masters over the past two
centuries and explains and emphasizes the transformation of artistic
themes of these intricate objects of art.
Most Americans know little about the history of this
extraordinary village—the best known of the four villages producing
similar works. Historically, a major center of exceptional, detailed
icons, the artistic masters turned more and more to the creation of
boxes and other artistic designs after the 1917 Revolution. In recent
years, Palekh masters have begun to return to some of the earlier traditions
by once again producing religious items from new icons and other church
decorations and using religious themes on the boxes. The
exhibit covers both the historical range of Palekh works and explore
the techniques and artistry of the Palekh masters.
Joslyn Museum
of Art, Omaha, NE
September 20, 2008 -
January 11, 2009
Museum of Russian
Icons, Clinton, MA
February - May 2009
Soft cover edition catalogue available
for $16.00 plus S&H
Palekh - Icons
to Souvenir Boxes to Icons
A handsome edition featuring an introductory article to the subject
by Andrew Jenks. Examines the history and traditions
of miniature painting and features spectacular art objects. (64 pages).
Please contact elenar@fiae.org to purchase your copy.
FIAE STAFF
