All about Kubachi silver
The blackened surface of unique jewelry from Kubachi masters has always attracted the views of those around it, regardless of gender. After all, such jewelry looks gorgeous not only on women, but also on men.
What it is?
Many people will say that all silver, or rather, items made from it, are the same. However, this judgment is not correct. Kubachi silver looks great and has an amazing history. The main distinguishing feature of such products is the blackened coating.
For many years, Caucasian craftsmen have been considered the best in making silver items.
As a rule, Kubachi silver items are distinguished by three types of designs.
- The most difficult technique is the markharai.... The meaning of the word is "thickets". The ornament is an interweaving of leaves and flowers in various variations. Such jewelry can only be made by those masters who have mastered the technique well.
- The technique of medium difficulty is called tutta. Drawing by its appearance resembles an oblong bouquet of flowers.
- The image that is in the middle of the decoration and looks like a seal is called tamga.
We can say that Kubachi silver is the cultural heritage of Dagestan.
History
Kubachi is a Dagestan settlement located in the mountainous part of this republic.... It is considered one of the largest traditional centers for the artistic processing of non-ferrous metals. In the old days, chain mail was made here to protect warriors, as well as weapons, which were distinguished by fine carvings and were decorated with precious stones or inscriptions.
If you believe the legends, then it is Kubachi craftsmen made a sword for Mstislav the Great himself... In addition, their sabers could be found even among the soldiers of the royal cavalry. Since that time, Kubachin silver has become famous far beyond the village, as well as the whole of Dagestan. If we go back to modern times, then a huge collection of Kubachin edged weapons, which was once donated by Alexander III to the British royal family, is now on display in a museum in London.
However, not only weapons glorified their masters. Many are great also made silverware. Such products symbolized the well-being and wealth of the family. Thus, silverware from Dagestan could be seen in the collection of the Romanov royal family.
Can't be ignored and jewelry made of blackened silver... To create them, the craftsmen had to work hard, because it took more than one day to make each of them.
Ready-made "lace" jewelry turned out to be almost weightless. Some of them were cut from natural stones.
All products made of Kubachi silver are created by hand. There are craftsmen who think over their masterpieces on their own: from drawing sketches to creating engraving. Some talented craftsmen team up with others. Then everyone is engaged in performing only one or a few operations. In any case, the finished product has a stamp, according to which specialists can determine the name of the master who created the thing.
Of course, any person dreams of receiving such beauty as a gift. Many people consider it an excellent solution to invest their money in the purchase of products or jewelry made of Kubachin silver. After all, every year the demand for them grows, respectively, the price rises.
Advantages and disadvantages
Kubachi silver has many advantages:
- craftsmen use the technique of chasing and engraving in their work;
- the assortment is simply huge;
- craftsmen are very attentive to the manufacture of all elements of silver items;
- with the help of unique products, you can emphasize your status in society, as well as show your impeccable taste.
If we talk about the shortcomings, then there are not so many of them. It should be noted that silver is a softer material than gold. For this reason products can be damaged. Silver jewelry causes allergic reactions in some people. They are strictly prohibited from wearing such jewelry.
If the silver is not coated with a special coating, the items may turn black or oxidize.
Variety of products
Kubachi masters put their whole soul into their work. Therefore, their products are famous all over the world. Among them is the silverware. Such dishes are something unique. The devices are suitable for all situations. The main thing is to choose everything you need for yourself.
Let's take a look at the most popular things.
- Tea or coffee sets that delight every person. They include not only cups and saucers, but also unusual shaped sugar bowls or oilers. In some cases, only cupholders are included, which are used to serve tea.
- Glasses and a decanter for serving various drinks.
- Table knives, spoons and forks.
- Trays considered a traditional household item in the East.
- Samovars. Such a miracle was used both as an independent product and as part of a set, complete with cups and saucers for drinking tea.
For those who like to smoke a cigarette, the masters did ashtrays or cigarette cases made of blackened silver... In some cases, you can even find whole smoking setsmade in the same style.
For collectors of weapons were also created unique products... You can buy not only swords or sabers, but also scimitars or daggers. If finances allow, then you should pay your attention to traditional seven-piece weapon sets. Each of them has a gold insert.
Jewelry made of blackened silver is also quite varied.Among them it is worth noting rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets... They can be made of pure silver or be complemented by precious stones. Make a special impression different sets made in the same style. They amaze with the filigree work of the masters and, of course, require large investments.
Summing up, we can say that products from Kubachin silver are the standard of beauty and perfection... Masters from Dagestan do not reveal all the secrets, because they can pass their knowledge and secrets only by inheritance. Due to their uniqueness and painstaking work of carvers, the products are incredibly popular even today.
You will learn even more interesting information about Kubachi jewelry craftsmanship in the next video.