Varieties of Khokhloma
There are several types of painting in the Khokhloma style. They differ in the method of application and image on wooden objects. Based on the type of application, Khokhloma is divided into the following types:
- background - the design is made on a plain main background, and the ornament is made with gold paint;
- upper – applying a pattern to a ready-made field.
The technique has various painting methods. The most complex technique is applying painting under the background. Initially, the contours of the pattern are applied to the wooden blank, and then some parts begin to be painted over with a black or red background color. After applying the background layer, they begin to make patterns and other complex details.
"Gingerbread"
The simplest method is called “Gingerbread”. In the center of the product there is an image of a geometric figure, for example, a rhombus or a square. Inside it is supplemented with sun, climbing plants, and herbs.
"Grass"
“Travka”, or herbal painting, is applied in abrupt strokes. Leaves are painted with large strokes, blades of grass or dew drops are used with smaller strokes. This element of top painting allows you to fill the entire surface of the product with an openwork pattern. This is one of the most difficult types, which requires patience and special attention from the master.
"Berry"
Another technique called “Berry” is very reminiscent of “Grass”. However, the style looks richer and more decorative than the previous one. It is based on an interweaving of large berries and herbs. As a rule, masters depict strawberries, gooseberries, grapes, and among flowers - chamomile and bell.
"Kudrins"
“Kudrina” is characterized by a certain ornate floral pattern. In this case, the ornament is made with gold paint. The peculiarity of application is to work with a very thin brush.
How and when did Khokhloma originate?
Archives show that beautiful painted dishes were first mentioned in 1659. It was then that a certain boyar named Morozov demanded to collect dishes of various sizes and tin craftsmen from the Trans-Volga lands. In those days, tin was used for gilding. Morozov at that time owned the village of Semenovskoye. In it, as well as in a neighboring village called Khokhloma, a craft for painting wooden products was formed.
The development of such a trade in Rus' was facilitated by the proximity of a large trade route (Volga) and the proximity to the fair - Makaryevskaya. The quality of the dishes was so high that their production was made the main industry for the residents, and the village of Khokhloma became a trading point where unique dishes with unusual designs were sold. After 1916, it was decided to open the School of Artistic Processing of Wooden Products. So Khokhloma received a new round of development.
Materials for painting and stages of preparation for painting
Wooden bases for painting are called “linen”. To make objects from wood, you need not only paint of different shades, but also special purified clay (wapa), which acts as a primer. Drying oil (linseed oil) is also necessary, the correct application of which determines the strength of the pattern.
The next stage is called tinning, which is performed with aluminum powder. It is intensively rubbed into the product, after which the objects acquire shine and are ready for further painting. The paints that the masters use in their work are only oil paints, and the brushes for applying the pattern are mainly squirrel paints.
