ZHOSTOVO
PAINTING
Zhostovo
painting is one of the traditional types of Russian decorative work
developed in the village of Zhostovo of Mytishi region, Moscow oblast.
It appeared at the beginning of 19th century under the influence of
Ural flower painting on metal.
Zhostovo
painting is essentially drawing on metal trays preliminarily covered
by several layers of thick putty and oil varnish (normally, of black
color). The painting itself is accomplished in several consequent
stages; soft brush and oil-colors (richly mixed with linseed-oil)
create an impression of an energetic and elastic touch. Stylistic
development of Zhostovo painting is closely related to Russian porcelain
and enamel painting of Moscow region's plants and factories, as well
as with the flower motifs of printed Ivanovo cottons and P.V. Lukutin
miniature.
The
main motif of Zhostovo painting - a flower bouquet - is simple and
laconic in its composition: larger garden flowers are combined with
smaller wild flowers; the actual shape of a flower is conveyed through
a three-dimensional painting technique; and all this is being brought
together by a decorative richness of multi-color solution closely
related to the traditional Russian brush-painting on chests and distaffs.
Tray edges are finished with a golden ornamental pattern (also known
as "uborka"). The completed painting is covered by three
layers of light varnish, being further polished to mirror luster.
