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Matches That M.Sholokhov Brought from Foreign Countries

A new exhibition section “Matches of M.A.Sholokhov” is opened in the Estate of M.A.Sholokhov.

The 270 matchboxes gathered, an impressive amount though, is not a collection, because Mikhail Alexandrovich had no intention to collect them. A part of the matches were preserved in the writer’s family and were given to the Museum.

M.A.Sholokhov had been a smoker since young years and, naturally, used matches which became his wont during all his life. Lighters appeared much later and he used them very rarely. When travelling abroad Mikhail Alexandrovich brought home practical things to be used in household and outings: kerosene heaters, copper boilers and kettles, knives and, of course, matches. The writer showed his interest in different kinds of matches and bought hunting, waterproof, mantel, miniature and classic matches.

These acquisitions date back to 1970.

The exhibition shows matches brought from different countries. They show a geography of the writer’s travels. A lot of matches were bought in Sweden, as Mikhail Alexandrovich liked Scandinavian countries and often visited them.

A set of matchboxes bearing the arms of the Sweden provinces – Lappland, Dalsland, Syodermanland, Nerke and Skone, is very interesting.

A set of matches “Women Wearing National European Costumes” made in Italy attracts with its bright colours, beauty and intricate design.

There are matches from Japanese hotels “Gifu”, “Kyoto”, “Canaya”, “Grand Hotel”, where the Sholokhovs stayed when travelling in 1966 around the Country of Rising Sun.

Some of the matchboxes are in single copies. The box bearing a recognizable medal with a profile of Alfred Nobel tells that the matches were brought from the Nobel Awarding Ceremony of 1965. There are matches with an emblem of the Danish Publishing House “Gyuldendal” which Mikhail Alexandrovich had been cooperating with for over 40 years. There are New Year matches, matches “Three Rings” brought from England, a matchbox “Grand Hotel Oslo” from Norway.

Very interesting are the boxes bearing painting reproductions about hunting reminding of the hunting and fishing hobby of Mikhail Alexandrovich.

This ensemble shows matches various in form, size and design. A wide subject variety of the matchbox labels is impressive – history, painting, wildlife, archaeology, symbolism and even charity. Each matchbox is a miniature work of art.

We invite everyone to look into the new section of the exhibition!

Valentina Sholokhova
Yelena Popova
Lidiya Slyusarenko