One of my students noticed: “Flowers are everywhere in Russian crafts!” That’s true. Russians love flowers. Traditionally, floral patterns are one of the distinctive features of Russian folk art.
The art of Zhostovo metal tray painting is a great example of a lavish floral pattern. This craft is known around the world. Zhostovo metal tray painting tradition started in the beginning of the19th century in the village called Zhostovo near Moscow.
The Ural mountains region was the center of metal tray production in 18th century.
As a result of experiments with the oil lacquer craftsmen in Nizhny Tagil came up with the formula of a special oil lacquer that could be spread over metal surface and protect the painting.
Zhostovo trays have bouquets of flowers on a red or black background in the middle of the tray with a delicate golden pattern framing the main part.
Along with flower pattern, a special brush technique gives this craft its’ distinctive style.
Artists traditionally do four types of floral patterns: “Bouquet Assembled”, “Scattered Bouquet ”, “Wreath” and “Branch from the corner”. In the center of the tray, artists usually arrange bright large plants. The shadow and small flowers at the edges of the picture created the illusion of volume. To make the picture glow from the inside, the masters add gold leaf, metal powder, or inserts of mother of pearl to the paints.
Zhostovo painting workshops are available at Art school in Moscow
Check out this absolutely stunning Zhostovo metal trays web-site!