Stone flower master Viktor Vasiliev

Lilac. 2013 Transvaal jade, jade, rhinestone, metal. Stone flower master Viktor Vasiliev

Stone flower master Viktor Vasiliev lives in Nizhny Tagil, the harsh city of tanks, cars and fumes. His workshop was long located on the territory of the old sullen Demidov factory. Like all stone-cutters, he deals with the unkind elements – stone, metal, water, fire. And in these circumstances can draw from the stone body amazingly gentle nature, even more touching, than the inverse images – flowers, berries, grass. These compositions can not be attributed to the genre of “bogus”, seeking the illusion of absolute similarity. Stylizations of Vasiliev are recognizable and inimitable, the master’s hand for a long time has been known to the specialists and connoisseurs of the art of stone carving.. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the master in the Nizhny Tagil Museum of Art organized a personal exhibition of works in various genres – Vasiliev’s art is not only floral motifs, but also animals, and scene composition. Rare minerals from the author’s collection, a geologist by training, are also represented in the museum.

Violets

The first bouquet, which stone cutter came up with – a floral arrangement with violets. “Violets” – in a vase of agate, and the ground of brown Aventurine, bush violets growing from charoite, with leaves of green jade. Vase with flowers on the plate is made of white jade.

Orchid and currant

Then was developed a sketch of another flower – “Orchid – Phalaenopsis”. Elegant branch of orchid is in a crystal vase. Orchid flowers are made of white kahalong. In the center of the flower sparkling faceted zircons. Pale green leaves of jade are gracefully curved. The most ingenious part of this piece is not so much the flowers as a transparent vase. At first glance, it seems half filled with water. Vase carved from a single piece of rock crystal in the technique of “trompe l’oeil”, which creates the effect. This technical reception was very often used by Faberge, created bouquets came to life and became virtually similar to fresh flowers.

Flower Arrangement – “Currants”, continues the series of flowers in crystal vases. Currant leaves are made of jade, berries of honey – yellow carnelian. Dirty brown spots among the green jade leaves give a natural look.