The Nativity of Christ is the greatest religious event. The coming to earth of the Son of God is celebrated by the Church in a majestic composition, the main features of which developed by the 6th-7th centuries, and which was popular up to the 17th century. It is well known: in the center there is a cave, where the child lies in a manger, next to the Mother of God, there are animals — an ox and a donkey, above the cave there is a star. Additional scenes include the reverently focused Joseph, the Magi with the gifts, the shepherds and angels praising the Lord, as well as the washing of the child. Such a composition is a canonical depiction of the feast.
The carved icon displayed in the museum has a simplified iconography. But despite this, it is very expressive and heartfelt. In the center is a relief drawing of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus is lying in the cradle with Virgin Mary and Joseph leaning over it. The star of Bethlehem shines above the cradle. Two angels stand behind the parents’ backs. Below the image, the icon is decorated with openwork floral elements; the pattern below is carved. In the upper part of the icon is a shell projection. Circular in shape, the icon is carved on the surface of a mother-of-pearl shell.
Carving on mother-of-the-pearl shells is quite a special art. Under the outer dark brownish-green shell of the mollusk there is wonderful decorative material — nacre. It is as strong as ornamental stones, and is second to none in its beauty and the exquisite combination of various pale-blue, pink, red and orange, and even black hues. It is not without reason that mother-of-pearl has this telling name. Filigree carving technique using natural materials — precious and semi-precious stones, coral, mollusk shells — is called “glyptika” (from the Greek word glypho — “I carve”).
Dating back to the 18th century, the icon was brought to Stary Oskol by one of the town’s residents from a pilgrimage trip to holy places, presumably from Jerusalem. Pilgrimage trips were popular among Oskol residents, especially among merchants.
The carved icon displayed in the museum has a simplified iconography. But despite this, it is very expressive and heartfelt. In the center is a relief drawing of the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus is lying in the cradle with Virgin Mary and Joseph leaning over it. The star of Bethlehem shines above the cradle. Two angels stand behind the parents’ backs. Below the image, the icon is decorated with openwork floral elements; the pattern below is carved. In the upper part of the icon is a shell projection. Circular in shape, the icon is carved on the surface of a mother-of-pearl shell.
Carving on mother-of-the-pearl shells is quite a special art. Under the outer dark brownish-green shell of the mollusk there is wonderful decorative material — nacre. It is as strong as ornamental stones, and is second to none in its beauty and the exquisite combination of various pale-blue, pink, red and orange, and even black hues. It is not without reason that mother-of-pearl has this telling name. Filigree carving technique using natural materials — precious and semi-precious stones, coral, mollusk shells — is called “glyptika” (from the Greek word glypho — “I carve”).
Dating back to the 18th century, the icon was brought to Stary Oskol by one of the town’s residents from a pilgrimage trip to holy places, presumably from Jerusalem. Pilgrimage trips were popular among Oskol residents, especially among merchants.
