Ivan Alexandrovich Golyshev (1838–1896), a prominent publisher, artist, archaeologist and ethnographer, was born in Mstyora to a family of serfs. Golyshev compiled and published 18 books, many albums and over 500 articles. He was an active member of many learned societies and left a particularly noticeable mark in the field of collecting and studying monuments of Russian folk art.

Ivan Golyshev released at his own expense ten albums with valuable images of ancient monuments, illustrations and prints of various artifacts. His works include the albums “Antiquities of the Epiphany Church of the 17th Century in the Free Settlement of Mstyora”, “Atlas of Drawings of Ancient Pryanik Boards”, “Monuments of Ancient Russian Woodcarving” and “Russian Antiquities of the Vladimir Governorate”.

The album “Russian Antiquities of the Vladimir Governorate” contains prints of pryanik boards, images of crowns and icon covers, as well as religious artifacts. The texts were printed in Vladimir in the publishing house of the Provincial Government. The illustrations are made in the techniques of chromolithography and tone lithography. In the book, there are engraved lubok pictures of old copper boards printed on folded sheets.

Golyshev was one of the first serious researchers of the Russian pryanik industry. Pryaniks are sweet cookies, similar to gingerbread. Golyshev was the first to draw attention to the local production of pryaniks, which he called “Vyazniki pryaniks”. There was a tradition in the settlement of Mstyora to call on friends with pryaniks, and upon the arrival of important eminent guests, large pryaniks were baked. Since ancient times, pryaniks in Russia have been not only a favorite delicacy for children and adults, but also an important attribute of many rituals and traditions. It was customary to serve pryaniks at commemorations. They also served as gifts for young people, and as a sign of honor for adults.

Pryanik boards are shapes with a cut-out pattern used to create a design on pryaniks. The more intricate the pattern of the boards, the more in demand they were. Patterns were carved on boards made of thick, sturdy wood. The Russian coat of arms — the double-headed eagle — was the most popular image for honorary pryaniks. Honorary pryaniks were presented as a sign of respect and reverence to guests and family members.