#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. Tiny cases for thimbles, interior elements and even evening dresses – all this is in the new exhibition of the Norilsk Museum – Passion for Beads: Three Centuries of Beads in Russian Art.
For the first time, ancient objects from the collection of the state museum-reserve Ostankino and Kuskovo traveled so far to the North. The exhibition immerses us in the culture of manor life during the heyday of bead art in Russia. You should look at everything carefully – You will be amazed by the finest technique of execution.
“Maslenitsa week is underway – traditionally at this time of year the museum invites everyone not only to have a fun winter and welcome spring, but also to show Russian folk arts and crafts, decorative and applied collections from the country’s leading museums and unique private collections”, the Norilsk Museum’s message says.
Thanks to this partnership, lacy “snow” Yelets lace, samovars and folk costumes, and a rare collection of painted wooden toys have already been brought to Norilsk. This year the Norilsk Museum’s partner is Ostankino and Kuskovo.
Polina Shevchenko, the museum-reserve’s exhibition work department’s head, flew from Moscow to the exhibition installation and opening. After staying in Norilsk for several days, she noticed that the exhibition was surprisingly in tune with the city: to live in the Arctic, you are to have certain character traits, perseverance and hard work. The same qualities are needed for patient, filigree work with beads.
Craftsmen made complex accessories from beads, such as bolero capes, belts, wallets and handbags, wove covers for candlesticks and smoking pipes, glass holders, coin holders, napkins, covers for notebooks, lambrequins, and wall panels. Beaded inserts were made for boxes, furniture and fireplaces. At the exhibition you can also see sewing accessories that modern tailors no longer use, for example, bobbins made of real mother-of-pearl.
“A new surge of interest in beads occurred during the Silver Age and the Roaring 1920s and brought with it the glamorous Art Deco style – objects from this era are also presented in the exhibition”, the museum noted.
The exhibition is running at Leninsky prospekt, 14, until May 13.
And from March 11 to March 15 inclusive, the museum will conduct excursions – those who sign up will have the opportunity to make their own modern bead jewelry at a master class.
Earlier, the Norilsk Museum celebrated Heiro holiday and taught how to properly feed birds.
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Text: Angelika Stepanova, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko
