The small village of Palekh is located in the Ivanovo region. Its population today is a little more than 7 thousand people, but only one tenth of the population is engaged in artistic painting. At the same time, Palekh is famous not only in Russia, but throughout the world.
History of Palekh
Palekh painting takes its origin from the Vladimir-Suzdal land in Ancient Russia. The locals have long been famous for their ability to paint icons. Their iconographic works adorned many churches. In addition to traditional icon painting, the population of the village began to try themselves in monumental painting, taking part in the restoration and painting of cathedrals and churches. These biblical frescoes still adorn the vaults of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, the Novodevichy Convent, and the Faceted Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. After the October Revolution, during the struggle against religion, the Palekh masters were forced to move away from their traditional subjects and created the Palekh art artel.
How a lacquer miniature is created
Palekh lacquer miniature is drawn on papier-mâché in tempera. Usually, pre-made brooches, caskets, jugs, caskets, panels, trays, etc. are used for painting.
In order to create a Palekh miniature, you first need to make papier-mâché. This is done with cardboard and glue. When the base of the future product is ready, it is opened with several layers of varnish, each layer must be thoroughly dried in an oven. Only then can the master begin the painting process.
Palekh artists create all paints that are used for painting products according to old recipes. They are composed of natural minerals, ground with egg yolk, with the addition of vinegar and water. In addition, work on a miniature is impossible without the finest squirrel brushes.
Features of Palekh products
The artistic style of the Palekh masters is distinguished by a smooth and delicate pattern on a black background. There is an abundance of fine gold ligature, refined clarity of silhouettes, high density of the pattern that can completely cover the product. The decorativeness of the landscape, graceful proportions of human figures, colors of green, red and yellow are taken by artists from ancient icon painting. The entire composition is usually decorated by the author in gold of the finest ornament.
The most famous products of Palekh craftsmen are caskets and caskets of various sizes and shapes. Local artists also paint portraits, postcards and icons. In addition, special emphasis is placed on souvenir products - lacquer panels, ashtrays, brooches and badges, which are an excellent gift, despite the rather high price. The main subjects of the products of Palekh artists are the characters of Russian folk epics and fairy tales, ancient rituals, folklore and views of the unique nature of Russia.
