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| Khokhloma bowls and spoons |
History
Khokhloma is the name of a Russian wood painting handicraft known for its vivid flower patterns, red and gold colors over the black background, and the distinctive effect on the cheap and light wooden tableware or furniture, making it look heavier, metal-like and glamorous. As a name in the tradition of native Russian art, Khokhloma first appeared in the second half of the 17th century. The handicraft owes its origin to the Old Ritualists, who, fleeing from persecutions of officials, took refuge in the local woods. The Khokhloma craftsmen united into artels in the 1920s. In the 1960s, the government allocated recourses to build two Khokhloma factories. The facilities have been producing tableware, utensils (mostly spoons), furniture, souvenirs etc. The techniques involved in creating the Khokhloma pieces are kept in secret.
Traditionally khokhloma items were produced in the monasteries and were designed primarily for the Zhar's Court. When the highly-glazed pottery and metal ware was marketed, unusual painting of items from Semyonov guaranteed their popularity and sales.
Thus in the XIX century items with khokhloma painting were famous not only in Russia but in Persia, India, Middle East, the USA and Australia as well. The export of khokhloma items grew after the worldwide exhibition in 1889 in Paris.
In 1916 Nizhegorodskoye Zemstvo established the first School for Wood-Working Arts and Crafts in Semyonov. First graduators of that School with it's director Mr. G. Matveev found a Cooperative (in 1931) which was restructured into a large production company Artistic Production Works "Khokhlomskaya Rospis".To begin with the 1960-s "Hohloma painting" has become the main manufacturer of handicrafts with khokhloma painting.
The Techniques
1. Workpieces are turned on a lathe
2. The workpieces are grounded with liquid clay mortar and oiled with flaxseed oil after that they are treated with drying oil and dried. This step is repeated 3 to 4 times
3. Next stage is tinning: the item is covered with aluminum metallic powder (once they used silver powder and later cheaper tin powder). Then the silver-coloured piece is ready for painting, which is done in oils, and is secured by drying in a furnace.
4. Afterwards the work is covered with several layers of varnish, each of them dried separately in a stove. It is under the influence of high temperature, that varnish turns silver colour of the article into golden.
2. The workpieces are grounded with liquid clay mortar and oiled with flaxseed oil after that they are treated with drying oil and dried. This step is repeated 3 to 4 times
3. Next stage is tinning: the item is covered with aluminum metallic powder (once they used silver powder and later cheaper tin powder). Then the silver-coloured piece is ready for painting, which is done in oils, and is secured by drying in a furnace.
4. Afterwards the work is covered with several layers of varnish, each of them dried separately in a stove. It is under the influence of high temperature, that varnish turns silver colour of the article into golden.
Khokhloma artists are doing these kinds of paintings without any preliminary marking; they apply free-hand brush painting.
"Khokhloma paintings convey the beauty of live nature as well as symbols of good things, well-being and happiness in Russia."
Markings
Most Khokhloma that we have come across,more specifically bowls and such have tags on the bottom.We,however,do not read russian so it has been very hard for us to distinguish what it is the tags might say.We are guessing there is some significance in the markings to where each piece may have originated,as well as what year the piece was made.
It is not hard to distinguish Khokhloma,from afar the painted pieces appear shiny and its colors are generally gold,red and black.You can't tell just by looking at it that the pieces are actually made of soft wood.However,once you handle the pieces it is quite evident.
We love Khokhloma,one for the simple fact that Sarah has personal ties to an ancestry in Russia.Also,for the beautiful appearance and painting of each piece.You can tell each artist poured their souls into the hand painted designs.
Share with us
If you have any more information on these beautiful pieces of Russian Folk Art please share with us.We always love to hear your stories,and learn more about the things we enjoy collecting.
As always please visit our Etsy store for some vintage collectibles,pottery,and housewares.
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