Ask the Scholar

In the cartouche on the face of the kovsh, is a copy of the winter town scene by the popular watercolorist Sergei Sergeievich Solomko (1867-1928). A young boyarina and a plump older woman are returning home from shopping. In the background, a group of boyars and a single boyarina have gathered together, chatting just inside the town gate. Their costumes have been highlighted with flicks of gilt. This composition has been identified either as Evening Walk or Return from Matins. The location of the original painting is presently unknown. The painted filigree decoration is in Rückert's late style with its characteristic abstract seed pods, blossoms, foliage, and gilt wire spirals. These motifs are painted in violet, black, pale blue and brown over an opaque deep green ground. In profile, the geometric-shaped handle resembles an eagle's head.