The residents of the small village of Zhostovo, located 30 kilometers north of Moscow, have been painting trays using their unique technique for nearly 200 years.
The residents of the small village of Zhostovo, located 30 kilometers north of Moscow, have been painting trays using their unique technique for nearly 200 years.
The art of painting metal trays emerged in the mid-18th century in the Urals, where the Demidov metallurgical factories were located. Photo: Trays made at Zhostovo Factory of Decorative Painting.
Tray painting only began in the villages of Moscow Gubernia (Region) in the first half of the 19th century, but Moscow soon became the leader in the art.
The background is usually black (but sometimes red, blue, green or silver). The artist works on several trays simultaneously.
The main motif of painting is a simple flower bouquet comprised of large garden-variety flowers and tiny wild flowers.
The trays come in many shapes: round, octagonal, combined, square and oval, among others.
A painted tray is covered with several layers of lacquer.
Originally used as household items, the trays have become true works of art. Photo: Tray “Fairytale” by Boris Grafov. 1978. Zhostovo. The All-Russian Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Art.
“Pheasant” by Nina Goncharova, a Meritorious Artist of Russia and Repin Prize winner. The All-Russian Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Art.
“Moon Night” by Mikhail Savelyev. 1975. The All-Russian Museum of Decorative-Applied and Folk Art.
