Product Overview
Inexhaustible Chalice (Russian: Неупиваемая чаша; also known in English as Inexaustible Cup or Non-intoxicating Chalice) is a wonderworking icon of the Mother of God, which revealed itself in Serpukhov, Russia in 1878. The icon is venerated in the Russian Orthodox Church and has become known for healing those who suffer from alcoholism, drug abuse and other forms of addiction. The icon of the "Inexhaustible Chalice" depicts the Theotokos with hands raised in the orans position, similar to icons of Our Lady of the Sign. The Christ Child is shown standing in a chalice with both hands raised in blessing.
Painted lacquer or matte eggs with religious themes have been used as special gifts since the earliest Czars ruled Russia. Appearing about the time the Russian Orthodox Church was established, these eggs symbolize the "new life" brought by Jesus. The eggs were thought to bring happiness, inspiration, and spiritual well-being to the owners. In the past these eggs have been produced from metal, bone, or hand-crafted from gold, silver and ceramics. Even within these varied mediums they reflect a specific art form resulting in some of the best miniature art in Russia.
Our passion eggs reflect influences primarily of the Moscow / Kremlin schools, which follow closely the traditions of icon painters. The difficulty of painting on a sphere reflects the special and unique talents of the masters who paint in this form. smooth, rounded off lines, called "living lines", perfect composition, golden colors and the contrast between light and dark characterize the very best of this art form. Using traditional egg-based tempera and adding 22kt gold leaf to enhance the icon is a special feature of this piece. Approx 14" tall including wooden stand.
A beautiful one-of-a-kind egg painted by Marina Semenova.
