Kyiv museum treasures

The Kyiv-Mezhyhirya Faience Factory produced tableware, figurines, and decorative sculptures in the Kyiv region. The hallmark of the Kyiv-Mezhyhirya Factory is lacework porcelain dinnerware and tea sets coated in lilac glazes and adorned with relief decorations.

Before you is a vessel called the "Two-Faced Lion" that was used during holidays and weddings to drink wine or vodka. This lion-shaped vessel symbolizes family prosperity and wealth. Out of the many similar vessels in the museum's collection, the Two-Faced Lion is the only one of its kind, and perhaps a unique example of this form. It stands out even more for the characteristic features of a male face.

It's impossible to imagine Ukrainian decorative art without the works of Dmytro Holovko. His creations blend the best qualities of traditional folk pottery with the high standards of a professional artist and talented ceramist.

Crafted in the 1960s, the "Goat" vessel is just one of the many figurative forms he created.

The museum proudly includes 650 works from the creative legacy of Maria Prymachenko. It also houses nearly 40 ceramic pieces personally painted by the artist. Prymachenko transferred her favorite motifs – foxes and monkeys – onto the finished surface of ceramic items or adorned them with flowers. She also sculpted and painted this small crocodile sculpture.

This depiction of Archangel Michael was executed using the technique of round carving and enhanced with polychrome coloring on a wooden base, adding decorative and festive elements to the artwork.

Archangel Michael is portrayed as a young warrior in the attire of a Roman centurion, wearing a helmet adorned with tall feathers. His long, red cloak, belt, and greaves (or shin armor) with relief patterns convey dignity and authority.

Here's another work by Dmytro Holovko, a ram-shaped vessel that boasts an elegant form and vivid glaze.

A characteristic feature of traditional Ukrainian decorated eggs known as pysanka from the Kyiv region is the combination of geometric patterns with floral elements. Six eight-petal rosettes are arranged on the top and sides of the pysanka, which is decorated using traditional wax-resist techniques.