SHOWCASE 10

The showcase presents personal belongings of Patriarchs Filaret and Nikon. They are rare monuments of decorative and applied art. Many of them were made in the Kremlin' royal and patriarchal workshops.

The fabrics brought to Russia were very expensive, especially Italian brocade (samite) and velvet. Sakkos belonging to Patriarch Nikon is made of precious fabric—Italian samite, embroidered with gold and pearls. Next to the sakkos, there is a rhombus-shaped epigonation skillfully embroidered with silk, gold and pearls. The epigonation was hanging at the hip and represented spiritual power and weapon of the patriarch.

Other symbols of spiritual power are two magnificent staffs made of silver with niello, filigree and enamel.

The headdress—a klobuk, embroidered with pearls and adorned with precious stones on the cross, was a part of Patriarch Nikon's everyday garment; it was replaced with a mitre during the divine service. Patriarch Filaret's klobuk is a wonderful piece of art—it is knitted from white twisted silk thread, cherub on the forehead is embroidered with pearls and silk, the lappets bear gold plates with niello images.