Treasures of the Russian Tsars
There are many items that the Russian creators have made, but few can compare with the crown regalia and the items that the Tsars wore and possessed. These items always demonstrate the highest levels of craftsmanship and skill. These items are the most beautiful and represent the Russian culture, and that is why I have selected to research these items as my decorative arts project.
Monomakhs hat is one of the most important items in the history of the Russian Tsars, as it always was the sign of status and power. It still remains the most iconic known jewel, only rivaled by the Orlov diamond. This cap was meant to be the pinnacle of luxury and craftsmanship, and it should have existed for years to come, as a sign of the eternal dynasty of the Russian Tsars. The cap was created in the commemoration of the sons of Ivan the 2nd ‘The Red’ Dmitry Donskoy and Ivan Kalita. I have personally observed the hat int the Kremlin Armory this summer, and I have got a deep impression from it. The hat showcases the best artistic skills of that time from the jewelers and the fur makers. The cap is a great example of craftsmanship and artistic skill, and to this day is an impressive example of a regal sign.
Some historians have different opinions about the origin, but the fact is that the base of the hat is created from Golden plates possibly scavenged from the helmets of tsar Ivans sons, and it was then covered with an elaborate ornament made on it. Then the hat was covered from the sides in a pattern of different jewels, including emeralds, rubies and spinel. Its is interesting that these stones are not cut, as that technology was not developed yet, but instead polished, and the stones were made to look like mirrors. The base of the hat is made out of fur for comfort, and the top is ended with a cross embedded with pearls. The shape of the hat is meant to be a symbol of sun, as it is semicircular, and the cross on the top of it is meant to connect the ruler to the gods, and legitimize the ruling.
We can see this type of jewelry carry on through the ages, with the dress made for Tsar Nicolas II, the last Russian Tsar. Nearly five centuries after the creation of the Monomakh cap, the young Russian tsar had a cap made in the style of the cap of Ivan The Terrible. This hat is also made from a golden silk lining, golden top, and a fur base. The cap is decorated with emeralds, gold and pearls, just like the original. The shape of hat, although resemblant of the original, is now more square shaped. This hat was worn several times, but never became quite iconic as the original, yet it still demonstrated the continuation of Russian artistic tradition.
Images from “Magnifisence of the Tsars” by Svetlana A. Amelekhina and Alexey K. Levykhin
