Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Picturesque Trays from Zhostovo

daisies, pond yellow lilies...

I am always amazed at the beauty and brightness of metal trays from the small town of Zhostovo, on the Klyazma River. I think these trays were not used at home, especially such beautiful ones. Most likely, these were interior items. And every time I walk past a gift shop, I see amazing trays.
Zhostovo workmanship is a handicraft of painting on metal trays, preliminary coated with a few layers of priming and oil varnish. The most widely used motif of the Zhostovo painting is a simple bunch of mixed garden and wild flowers.


dahlias, daffodil, lupine...

apples, plums, grape...

poppies

The trays were made by a blacksmith according to the old craft tradition: the shape and size of the tray depends on his work. The image usually lies on a smooth background, which may be black, white or other color. I show you different types of these items painted with flowers, fruits and vegetables.

sunflowers

pears, grape, apricots, cherry...

a Jag, a basket and a bowl with fruit 

The image looks voluminous, it seems as if it comes from the depth. Light patterned lace from various "herbs" surrounds the bouquet around the edges, fitting it into a smooth background.  
I like trays on a white background with wildflowers or berries. What tray would you buy for your home?

a bird and pomegranates

dandelions

cornflowers, daisies, poppies...

veggies

The hand-forging of a base for future tray started from 1830. The exact dates of manufacture were stamped on the backs of trays. They were popular in St. Petersburg, Moscow and other cities. Not only flowers were depicted by artists of Zhostovo but fruit, veggies, berries, birds,  landscapes and folk scenes. 
As I said up to these days the art stays purely decorative.

a waxwing and rowan berries

a bird and cherry

The appearance of Zhostovo craft is associated with lacquer miniature on the papier-mache boxes, which was manufactured in a near-by village of Fedoskino. 
To know more about lacquer miniature you could in my another post Russian lacquer miniature




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35 comments:

  1. These trays are absolutely stunning; little works of art, to be cherished and displayed for all to enjoy.

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  2. Dear Nadezda!
    I am stunned by the beauty of these trays. As in the picture of an outstanding painter. It is difficult for me to choose one of them, because each is different, but they are all delightful. Like works of art ... amazing.
    Hugs and greetings. Anita

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    1. Anita, I'm always delighted seeing these beauties as well.

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  3. Hello Nadezda,

    They are all beautiful! The one with apples, plums and grape is my favorite. So very pretty.

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    1. This one you've chosen reminds me Dutch still life, Marit. It's pretty.

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  4. Hola Nadezda, preciosas bandejas, me gustan todos, son alegres. Buen día. Besos.

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  5. Son todas preciosas, pero yo me quedaría con el pájaro y las cerezas. Besos.

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    1. La que elegiste tiene una gran forma, Teresa. Buena opcion.

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  6. Hello Nadezda, these are all so beautiful that for a while I was just smiling happily. :)
    Perhaps the third one (apples, plums, grapes) is also my favourite.
    Thank you for sharing!

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    1. You've made a good choice Sara. I love this one as well.

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  7. They beautifully down - so difficult to choose a favourite

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  8. 'it seems as if it comes from the depth'- I totally agree. Absolutely stunning trays. I am not able to choose my favourite one. I tried but I am not able at all. hehe I had one beautiful tray at home, black one with the peacok. I truly love such items, very magical and full of just positive energy. <3
    Warm greetings, have a very nice day. :)))

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    1. I'm glad you liked these items Agnes. You're right - they are pretty.

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  9. These piecies of art are really beautiful. Thanks Nadezda.

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  10. Hello Nadezda!
    Beautiful. Each tray is a masterpiece.
    Hugs and greetings.
    Lucja

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  11. Nice pieces, Nadezda, I especially like dandelions.
    Happy December!
    Hugs!

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    1. I do love this tray as well Tania.
      Have a nice Tuesday.

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  12. Hi Nadezda, they are all wonderful, but my favorite was the sunflowers.
    All the best.
    MAria

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    1. This tray is pretty, Maria. Summery flowers.
      Have a nice week!

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  13. Cuanta belleza que nmaravilla!! Son bellísimas.
    Un abrazo.

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  14. Love these trays. I have a small laquered papier-mache box that was made in Russia. I bought it at a Worlds Fair many years ago. I still enjoy looking at it.

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    1. What a pleasure to know you have lacquered box from Russia, Lisa. I love these as well and wrote in my post about this manufacture.
      Glad you loved trays too. Have a nice Thursday!

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  15. Wonderful photographs of these trays, they are so colourful, I do like them.

    All the best Jan

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