The world’s ONLY iconostasis made of crystal is in Russia (PHOTOS)
Decorations for a church in Bryansk Region were made by a local crystal factory according to ancient drawings.
In the small town of Dyatkovo near Bryansk, there has been a crystal factory known throughout Russia for more than 200 years. In 1790, it was founded by a noblewoman named Maria Maltsova. And her son went on to create a whole crystal empire throughout Russia, including the famous crystal factory in Gus Khrustalny.
Highly artistic colored crystal was produced at Dyatkovo factory. And, in Soviet times, its products became available to ordinary citizens, so glasses and decanters with the inscription “Dyatkovo” are still kept in many cupboards.
In 2002, the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God ‘Neopalimaya Kupina’ (icon tradition devoted to the ‘Burning bush’) was built in the city, the decoration of which was done by the crystal factory. The iconostasis, chandelier and even wall tiles were made entirely of crystal, weighing more than 15 tons in total.
Both the church and the interior design have a prehistory. In 1810, the Maltsov family erected a luxurious church in the same place. That Transfiguration Church was richly decorated with crystal.
Travelers who came to the city and saw the temple were amazed by its beauty. “At full illumination of the church crystal items, the iconostasis is like a diamond, sparkling iridescent play of countless facets, which produces an extraordinary effect,” the publication ‘Picturesque Russia’ described the church in the 19th century.
The only crystal iconostasis in the world PHOTOS
After the revolution the church was demolished, the luxurious iconostasis was taken down and piles of multicolored glass were destroyed.
