That small village some 200 miles East of
Moscow is know throughout the world. In fact, for many Palekh is the image of
Russia. To be more precise, it is not the village itself that is so famous, but
rather the very particular and recognizable art form of Palekh artists. Their
wonderful works are well known through the various sets and series of
souvenirs.
Almost everybody who
visited Russia during the years past or present feels that it is necessary to
bring home something of Russia's best - a Palekh souvenir plate or an exquisite
lacquer box. Yet, very few people know that souvenir art wasn't the original
trade of the Palekh artists.
For centuries
Palekh was known for its distinctive and recognizable Icons, famed for great
detail and fantastic, at times hairfine ornaments. At the dawn of godless
times, Palekh artists had to find a niche to survive. And the Icon painters
became souvenir manufacturers. They turned out to be so good at it that the
name Palekh stands for excellent quality and brilliant artistry.
At the present time the Palekh Icon School
undergoes a rebirth. Already some magnificent pieces of Sacred Art is available
for viewing here and is astounding all admirers. It is hoped that in the near
future the former glory will be fully restored and that once again Palekh will
be known for its main trade of depicting the Divine.
Kostroma (Palekh and Kostroma)
Located on the bluffs above the Volga River, the willful destruction
of Kostroma's Kremlin by the Red Army forces in Russia's civil war is marked by
memorial crosses at the sites of the demolished churches. However, there are
still a number of important surviving monasteries and one of the best outdoor
museums of wooden architecture in Russia.
Also see:
(1) Palekh History
http://stpetersburg-guide.com/shop/palekh2.shtml
(2) About Kostroma
http://www.kostroma.ru/kostroma/kostroma.htm
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