Product Overview
Our Lady of Kazan, also called Mother-of-God of Kazan, was a holy icon of the highest stature within the Russian Orthodox Church, representing the Virgin Mary as the protector and patroness of the city of Kazan, and a palladium of all of Russia, known as the Holy Protectress of Russia.
Painted lacquer or matte eggs with religious themes have been used as special gifts since the earliest Czars ruled Russia. Appearing about the time the Russian Orthodox Church was established, these eggs symbolize the "new life" brought by Jesus. The eggs were thought to bring happiness, inspiration, and spiritual well-being to the owners. In the past these eggs have been produced from metal, bone, or hand-crafted from gold, silver and ceramics. Even within these varied mediums they reflect a specific art form resulting in some of the best miniature art in Russia.
Our passion eggs reflect influences primarily of the Moscow / Kremlin schools, which follow closely the traditions of icon painters. The difficulty of painting on a sphere reflects the special and unique talents of the masters who paint in this form. smooth, rounded off lines, called "living lines", perfect composition, golden colors and the contrast between light and dark characterize the very best of this art form. Using traditional egg-based tempera and adding 22kt gold leaf to enhance the icon is a special feature of this piece. Approx 13" tall including wooden stand.
A beautiful one-of-a-kind egg painted by Elena Davydova. Signed by artist.
