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Sholokhov Museum will Show Arts and Crafts of Kazan Tatars

On March 18, the excursion and exhibition centre “People’s House” of the Museum-Reserve of M.A.Sholokhov opens an exhibition “Arts and Crafts of Kazan Tatars: History and Modern Time” presented by the Tatarstan Republic National Museum.

The visitors will learn about the cultural originality of the Tatar people, national traditions, will see examples of the work of artists of different times including home furnishings, Tatar clothes, samples of embroidery and leather mosaic, tea things and other houseware usually found in every family.

Throughout the centuries, one of the thriving crafts of Kazan and the nearest regions has been embroidery in golden and coloured silk threads. Skilful hands of Tatar women made bright intricate patterns on the costume details, on household items (towels, napkins, curtains) and on the items of religious purpose (namazlyk, the Quran book covers).

Very attractive are the national costumes, where indispensable attribute is a headdress (kalfaks, skullcaps) and patterned shoes. These objects known as “Tatar”, “Kazan”, “Asian” won Europe by its originality and became popular.

The silver and gold jewelry, which unique identity of the patterns is created with the finest filigree lace pattern and multicoloured stones, is a spectacular addition to the national women’s dresses.

The art of calligraphy is presented in the pictorial, graphic and embroidered shamails – decorative panels of religious and moral content that adorned the interiors of Tatar houses.

The folk art has evolved throughout the centuries; the secrets of craftsmanship were handed down from father to son. Creating a new work a real master relied on the experience of the past generations and tried to find his original solution.

The exhibition will tell about the aesthetic originality of the Tatar national art and the continuity of the traditions of the folk arts and crafts.

You are welcome to the exhibition “Arts and Crafts of Kazan Tatars: History and Modern Time”, which will run from March 18, to May 15, 2016.

Valery Yemelyanov