Ipatievsky monastery is one of the most ancient cathedrals from the extant architectual ensemble of the so-called Golden Ring, a group of ancient Russian cities located near Moscow. The domes of the monastery represent the masterpiece of the Russian architecture. The monastery is surrounded by typical Middle Russian winter scenery. The last Russian tzar Nicholas II often visited this Monastery. The silver-pink tones of this Kholui lacquered box make an exrtaordinary and captivating contrast with deep dark color of the sky and embody the tense relationship between the church and the government of that time.
This laquered box is handmade by the Kholui Association that specializes in producing painted boxes of papier-mache. This material is more lasting than the wood, which can crack because of time or moisture. Papier-mache is an art which has deep roots in the Russian history. Producing of every item is a very long and labour-consuming process. The beautiful painting which covers the laquer boxes is very detailed and originates from the Russian icon painting. The main aspects in producing of the Russian miniatures are right preparation and blending of paints (all paints are handmade), several stages of laquering and polishing, and of course the mastery of the Kholui artists. The principal topics of the Russian miniatures are the landscapes and architectual monuments of Russia, the plots and protagonists of Russian fairy tales, fables and legends.
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