DEACON'S VESTMENT (STIKHAR')

Creator(s):

Currently in storage

About this object

The fabric is made up of three color gold threads with major forms outlined in crimson red. The dominant theme is an image of a double-winged, double-headed, single-crowned eagle with a scepter carried in its upraised, proper right talon. The proper left talon is held down and is empty. Unlike the imperial eagle, this bird is not armed, i.e. does not have an open beak with tongue stuck out. Large, generalized sprays of leaves and vaguely floral forms frame the eagles. The yoke is set off by an ornately patterned band in gold-colored cloth that also appears on the cuffs and around the hem of the vestment. On the front, the same floral leaf and spray pattern that appears on the fabric is repeated in a three-dimensional manner of twisted, gold-wire sewn down to the yellow-silk background and set off with crimson thread. On the rear, is a prominent crown with ten 'jewels' bearing a cross. Couched stitches have been manipulated to create the appearance of a sunburst behind the crown. Below this is applied a prominent Latin cross with five 'rays' between each arm. The rays are ornamented with gold or gilt sequins and disks. A ball-shaped, silver gilt button is sewn at the neck and under the proper left arm. The button under the proper right arm is missing.

Object name:

DEACON'S VESTMENT (STIKHAR')

Made from:

Silk -- cotton -- gold-wrapped thread -- silver-wrapped thread -- silver-gilt or brass sequins

Made in:

Moscow, Russia

Date made:

1896

Size:

139.7 × 158.1 cm (55 × 62 1/4 in.)

Detailed information for this item

Catalog number:

44.2

Class:

VESTMENT

Signature marks:

stamp 1000 stamped inside neck at rear of garment inscription III N 2 In purple ink, in neck of garment, below '1000' inscription 8539 in faded black ink written on back lining, neck of garment. label [Cyrillic] 2 AR. 3 1/2 V. Stamped or woven in gilt or gold ink. Most likely is a measurement: 2 arshins, 3.5 vershok. 2 ar. is 56 inches and 3.5 vershki is about 6 inches. Together they are about 62 inches. inscription [Cyrillic] N" 8539 In black/dk. purple ink on inside, back lining near hem. This is a capital Cyrillic N followed by a Cyrillic hard sign. The numbers 8539 follow. It is handwritten. inscription DT [Cyrillic capitals?] In a blue, waxy crayon or pencil, back lining nr. hem.

Credit line:

Bequest of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 1973