SHOWCASE 2. RUSSIAN GOLD- AND SILVERWARE OF THE 12TH - 15TH CENTURIES

On display are the most ancient artworks by Russian craftsmen, dating back from the 13th to 15th centuries. Most of them were created in the times when the Russian land consisted of separate princedoms severely oppressed by the overseas invasion. Only a few works of jeweller's art created both in this and earlier period could remain intact. The reasons were the invasions of enemies, feuds of Princes, frequent fires. The Russian art was badly injured during the Tartar yoke. A lot of crafts were lost. Nevertheless, a series of unique artworks survived till our days give us the idea of the eminent craftsmanship of Pre-Mongolian Ancient Russian jewellers. 

The culture of Byzantium influenced the art of Ancient Rus’. However, Russian makers preserved national originality and developed their own artistic features.

Later on, as Muscovy was getting centralized, the princedoms of Vladimir-Suzdal, Chernigov and Ryazan were renowned for the artistic traditions. Painters and craftsmen came to Muscovy from other princedoms.