SHOWCASE 13. SILVERSMITHING IN THE CITIES OF VOLGA REGION IN THE 17TH CENTURY

Showcased here are silver masterpieces from Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Nizhny Novgorod and other cities of Volga region —important artistic centres of Russia. All the presented artworks are remarkable for the richness of form and delicate ornamentation. Precious church implements reveal a high level of technical skill of local silversmiths, who mastered to perfection various techniques of working with precious metals — a high-relief chasing for example. Most of the items are decorated with embossed openwork patterns, similar to those developed and used within the tradition of wood carving. Refined ornament covers almost all the surface of the silverware.