Painted on a blue background, this circular plate by Mstera artist Khokhlova is titled "Farewell Maslenitsa" and refers to the traditional Russian holiday of the same name. Suzanne Massie, a well-known author on Russian history and culture, writes the following about Maslenitsa in her book Land of the Firebird:
"Two months of every year were spent preparing for and celebrating [Easter] and the coming of spring. The celebration began in the snow, with a pagan and earthy carnival celebrating life, and was followed by a long fast; it culminated in the beginning of spring and the new explosion of re-creation and happiness which are at the core of the Christian belief.
First there were the eight days of stuffing, feasting and carnival called Maslenitsa, or 'Butter Week.' During every day before the long weeks of Lent when all butter was prohibited, Russians consumed huge quantities of blini, little pancakes smothered in butter, at every meal. All restaurants and taverns served blini, always cooked a few at a time and brought piping hot to the table...
In the villages a straw Prince Carnival was seated before a bountiful table on a sled and drawn through the streets. 'Stay, stay!' cried the crowds. 'Stay with us forever!' But, at the end of his ride, he was enthroned on a bonfire and ceremoniously burned."
It is this scene that is depicted on this appropriately bright and colorful plate. The title, "Farewell Maslenitsa," comes from the fact that the burning of Prince Carnival is one of the last events of the eight-day celebration. Only a few hours usually remain until the village church bells chime six p.m., and all the festivities immediately stop and the villagers return to their homes to prepare for the Great Fast before Easter. In the composition, we can see some of the townspeople gathered together. In front stands the festival organizer, usually a prominent person in the village. He is gesturing towards the lad who has the honor of setting fire to the sled. Holding a torch above his head, he prepares himself for this annual tradition.
Countless color tones and detailed patterns make this composition a joy to look at. The scene is well balanced, and the eye is drawn in turn to each section of the painting. The circular composition is framed with a line of gold paint, then bordered by a wonderful full color design that features alternating floral patterns on violet and green. The soft blue background beautifully compliments the colors used. This plate can be displayed on a stand, or hung on the wall using the built-in hook in the back. The artist has signed and titled the front of the piece, and the Mstera "archer" logo appears on the back.
Materials: paper-mache, blue lacquer, egg-tempera paint, gold.
Item Specifications:
- Title: "Farewell Maslenitsa 1999"
- Price: $275.00
- Status: SOLD
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