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https://collectrussia.com/DISPITEM.HTM?item=39935
Item# 39935   $140.00  Add to cart   Show All Images   Download PDF
Set of 2 books Soviet Folk Arts, 1917-1932, 1986 edition, Russian text.

The full title of this set is Soviet Decorative Art, Materials and Documents, 1917-1932, Folk-Art Workshops. A tastefully designed 2-volume set. One of the books, containing historic photos and illustrations of artwork in various Russian folk arts genres, is landscape oriented to accommodate the photos. The other, containing official governmental documentation related to reorienting and directing various Russian folk-art workshops to align with Soviet Communist goals, is portrait oriented. Each volume measures approx. 9 ½" x 7", both are in stylish canvas-wrapped hard covers. T

The full title of this set is Soviet Decorative Art, Materials and Documents, 1917-1932, Folk-Art Workshops. A tastefully designed 2-volume set. One of the books, containing historic photos and illustrations of artwork in various Russian folk arts genres, is landscape oriented to accommodate the photos. The other, containing official governmental documentation related to reorienting and directing various Russian folk-art workshops to align with Soviet Communist goals, is portrait oriented. Each volume measures approx. 9 ½" x 7", both are in stylish canvas-wrapped hard covers. The original slip cover is unfortunately missing. Russian text, circulation only 25,000 copies.

Palekh, Fedoskino, Mstera, Zhostovo, Khokhloma, Dymka, etc., etc., world-famous names for world-famous folk-art genres. Lacquer miniature on wood, wood carving, clay toys, crocheting, lacework, engraving and embossing on metal, the list goes on and on. And it is heart-wrenching and inspiring to see the contemporary b/w photos of those places and those masters of their craft at work. Simply dressed, surrounded by simple and often meager rural environment, they created masterpieces of immense beauty and craftsmanship that you see on the following color illustrations, and it's really hard to reconcile the two. The second book contains documentation of the subject of these folk-art centers. The documents prove that the Bolsheviks paid close attention to folk arts and made a considerable effort to support them but, needless to say, on condition that they shift to Communist ideology and Soviet lifestyle themes. And, of course, to sell their work abroad, for gold.

The books are in excellent condition. Despite the missing slip cover, the hardcovers are clean (with the exception of a small spot on the cover of the documents book), the bindings are tight and strong, there are no corner bumps, and the textblocks are in pristine condition.

This set is not only an excellent reference source on Russian folk arts, their history, genres and craftsmen. It is also a gift of many hours of joy perusing these masterpieces in their multitude of genres and age-old techniques.

Please note that the pen in our last photo is for size reference.
$140.00  Add to cart