SHOWCASE 1. ARTWORKS FROM BYZANTIUM, SERBIA AND GEORGIA

The culture of Byzantium assimilated the heritage of Antiquity and Ancient Orient and created its style that influenced the artistic development of the whole Christian world, including Serbia and Georgia. Byzantine jewellers were much more skilful than their contemporaries. They masterly acquired many techniques of processing metals and stones. Russia and Byzantium entered into trade and diplomatic relations as far back as the 10th century. Brought by merchants and ambassadors, jewellery pieces were both received as gifts and purchased by Russian governors. These goods were highly appreciated. They were placed in treasuries, carefully kept and inherited for centuries. 

The Armoury has a small, but an extremely valuable collection of Byzantine artworks covering a period from the 5th to the 15th century. It includes masterpieces of gold and silver, cloisonné enamels, glyptics (stone carving), fabrics and pieces of embroidery of the 14th and 15th centuries. The major part of artworks was brought to Russia by merchants and ambassadors.