“DECORATED WITH PATTERNED IRON...” ABOUT THE GROUP OF RUSSIAN CHESTS OF THE 2ND HALF OF THE 19TH – THE EARLY 20TH CENTURIES

The paper deals with a small group of Russian chests. Until now, it has been unknown in the scientific literature. Based on the artistic analysis, the objects are isolated from the mass of Russian chests and divided into two varieties. The study determined the role of this group in the general history of Russian chest craft, as well as identified typological features of chests, determined the place and time of their production. It is concluded that the chests of both varieties were the products of a large chest centre that existed in Vyatka Province in the 2nd half of the 19th – early 20th centuries. They are an integral part of the local decorative and applied art. The chests are characterised by a connection with metallurgical plant, which is reflected in the “conveyor” nature of manufacturing. At the same time, the products of Vyatka artisans are not devoid of ar-tistic features. Chests from public and private museum collections were used to illustrate the conclusions. The items are placed on a wide cultural background.