From the Arctic Circle of northern Russia, to the west of Ukraine, to the south of mountainous Daghestan, a collection of carved and painted woodwork, complemented by textiles, contrasts 19th-20th century village folk art with studio Russian Arts and Crafts, popular in Britain around 1900. The village masters win this battle for the spiritual soul of Christian and Islamic craftsmanship, both also steeped in pagan ritual and animism.

Two experts have recorded this fascinating variety of window surrounds, distaffs, spoon boxes, chests and caskets, tables, seats and cradles, set against Dum and Davaghin carpets, Kaitag embroideries, and woven 'rushniki'. More than 100 colour images illustrate this unique exhibition of a vanishing tradition.

– 40 pages with 100+ colour illustrations and maps
– 162mm wide x 224mm high

Published Bennett & Bloom, May 2009