Rostov Enamels [antikvár]

When the art of enamelling first appeared in Rostov the Great is hard to say, but it was probably before the Tatar-Mongol invasion. Many centuries ago an unknown master, from Rostov or other parts, shut himself away in his work Jiop and performed a miracle. First of all he apphed a strange mixture to a copper cross, or perhaps a small icon, let it dry, then put the object in the fire. Bending down by the Stove, eyes screwed up intently, he watched the mixture on the metal grow fighter in the heat, until the melted surface began to gfitter and shine. Now it was time to take it out! With his long metal tongs the master lifted the object out of the stove and watched it cool with bated breath. Would it darken as it cooled down? No, the mixture had set now and was still guttering and shining as it had when it melted in the fire. Impatiently the master picked up the object, which was still hot, turning it round and watching the play of light on the