The Krone Anno Domini MM displays the magnificent
workmanship of the Russian miniature lacquer artist in its radiant
iconographic origins.
The best Palekh artisans formed “artels” (companies)
which decorated the great churches of Russia. After the Russian Revolution,
the iconographic workshops were closed immediately when the new Socialist
dogma declared religion and it’s symbols “the opiate of
the people.”
The necessity to earn a living and, at the same time to actualize
their artistic potential, forced the artisans to seek other forms
of expression. The great iconographer, Ivan I Golikov became the founder
of the new art – the Palekh lacquer miniature. The discovery
opened up great possibilities for the artists, because even the most
mundane article could now be transformed into a treasure. The ancient
traditions and techniques passed down through generations naturally
attracted the new artists to themes of old songs or fairy tales. The
artist was taught to work in the most delicate and detailed way to
create exquisite scenes in miniature on pieces such as jewelry, brooches,
and pendants. Each work was as individual as the artists themselves,
but very much in keeping with the teachings of the masters before
them. The artisan works alone and there is no duplication. Each piece
is unique, belonging to a certain artisan. In this art of miniaturization,
there is no mechanization possible. On the contrary, each piece is
a product of individual creativity, which lends to its unique quality.
Extremely fine brushes must be used to gain the required detail.
The artist makes the brush usually from squirrel tail or sable. The
painting is often made with the aid of a high powered magnifying glass,
which is the only way to work with such precise detail. The concentration
required for such work is intense and the artist can only paint for
short periods at a time.
In each of the four villages where miniature lacquer art flourishes
– Fedoskino, Palekh, Kholui, and Mstera – there are only
about 175 artists at work. Each of these villages has their own special
school where under the guidance of experienced masters, artisans learn
their techniques. Applicants from all over Russia apply, but few are
chosen for entrance. The training regimen is strict and rigid, and
superior talent must be proven to graduate into the community of miniature
painters.
The nature of the work is such that even a limited edition piece
is uniquely individual. One can compare each piece in the edition
and see that each one is quite different from another and expresses
the mood and personality of the artist.
The Krone Anno Domini MM is borne of this exquisite art form. It
returns to the origin of the iconographic fathers, who labored in
the work of the Lord, and combines it with its modern surviving form
– miniaturization and painstaking detail.
The depiction on the Krone Anno Domini MM tells of the miraculous
event, which took place on Mount Herman. Christ became transfigured
before the eyes of his disciples, Peter, James and John, while the
prophets Elijah and Moses appeared and conversed with Him. It renders
a unique scene as we enter the second millennium since the birth of
Jesus Christ, the Savior. The starburst at the top of the clip signifies
the birth of Christ, with the star of Bethlehem. In this age of high-speed
telecommunications and the Internet, the Krone Anno Domini MM takes
us back to our simplistic origins, to a time when the basis laws of
man were promulgated and shared, by word of mouth and other tediously
slow means of communication. As the first millennium A.D. emerges
with the second, the Krone Anno Domini MM seamlessly links the periods,
using the Palekh miniature artists as its medium. While the art form,
and the magnificent pen, in which it is framed, are indicative of
the old ways and means, the spirit of this piece transcends time and
technological progress and links us inexorably with our miraculous
past.
This Anno Domini MM incorporates:
- A two-toned, iridium-tipped 18kt.-gold nib, with the Krone name
proudly guilloched on the top. Krone nibs are offered in three widths
(fine, medium and broad) customized to the owner’s writing
style.
- An ebonite barrel which contains a piston filling system.
- 18kt.-gold clip and bands.
- Each pen is accompanied by a hand made box from the bark of a
birch tree. Inscribed it reads, “By the blessing of Saint
Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Alexia II. Bible.” This
saying means that this bible cover has been blessed by the Head
of the Orthodox Church of Moscow and all of Russia.
- The Anno Domini MM is a limited edition of 100 pieces worldwide.
There is also a specially commissioned limited edition of 8 magnum
size pens, which include Krone’s Giant nib.
