The small village of Palekh is located in the Ivanovo region. Its population today is a little more than 7 thousand people, but only a tenth of the population is engaged in art painting. Moreover, Palekh is famous not only in Russia, but throughout the world.
History of Palekh
Palekh painting originates from the Vladimir-Suzdal land in Ancient Russia. Since ancient times, local residents have been famous for their ability to paint icons. Their iconographic works adorned many temples. In addition to traditional icon painting, the population of the village began to try its hand at monumental painting, taking part in the restoration and painting of cathedrals and churches. These biblical frescoes still adorn the arches of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra, the Novodevichy Convent, the Faceted Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. After the October Revolution, during the struggle against religion, the masters of Palekh were forced to move away from their traditional subjects and created the Palekh art cooperative.
How to create a lacquer miniature
Palekh lacquer miniature is drawn on papier-mâché tempera. Usually, pre-made brooches, caskets, egg capsules, caskets, panels, trays, etc. are used for painting.
In order to create a Palekh miniature, papier-mâché must first be made. This is done with cardboard and glue. When the basis of the future product is ready, it is opened with several layers of varnish, each layer must be thoroughly dried in an oven. Only after this, the master can begin the process of painting.
Palekh artists create all the paints that are used for painting products according to old recipes. They include natural minerals, ground with egg yolk, with the addition of vinegar and water. In addition, work on a miniature is impossible without the finest squirrel brushes.
