1888 Chromolithograph Slavic Marriage Russia Dance Priest Ceremony Ritual LCH5

This is a rare original 1888 color chromolithograph which depicts two fascinating traditional Russian scenes. In the upper panel a young couple performs a Russia dance, which is more than a pantomime than anything else. The lower panel portrays a joyous Slavic marriage ceremony. The priest has placed silver marriage crowns upon the heads of the newlyweds, a symbolic event that would often be done by the droujkis, or paranymphs, of an upper class bride and groom, who would not allow the crowns to actually rest on their heads. The ritual of the marriage proposal was a bizarre one. The hopeful lover would bring his droujka (best man) with him to meet the girl's family, and it was there that his friend would inspect her to ensure that she was a worthy match. The following day, if all went well, the young man would return and be allowed to look upon her face himself. It was only after assuring the family that his future bride pleased him that a date would set for the wedding.

CONDITION

This 123+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. Light wrinkling. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Chromolithograph; Color
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine
• Dimensions: Approximately 10 x 13.5 inches; 25 x 34 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Period Paper has obtained an extraordinary, ultra-rare collection of original color and chromolithographs, which capture a myriad of ancient cultures and costumes from around the world. Virtually unseen individually, and from perhaps the most coveted portfolio of costumes from the 19th century, these historically important elephant folio-sized chromolithographs depict a myriad of costumes that capture fashions, fads and traditional outfits, as well as the beautiful jewelry work of almost every major European society throughout the last few centuries. Featured in these regions include, Basque, Scotland, Brittany, Moscow, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, England and Holland; there are beautiful illustrations for all, each more unique than the next.

The originals offered are from the first edition of RacinetÕs masterwork on costumes of the world. Many have been heightened in gold and silver. The full color chromolithographs are some of the most spectacular we have procured. The duotone chromolithographs are stunning and impeccably preserved. Each piece from the collection is in museum-quality condition.

Keywords specific to this image: historical, custom, chapel, incense, costume, instrument, music, musician, candlestick, outdoors, activity

LCH5C88