"RUSSIAN BLADE": WEAPONS AS WORKS OF ART

 Weapons. The symbol of power. The symbol of valor, courage and nobility, wealth and good taste. A work of high art, combining the noble blade, precious stones and metals. The subject of passionate collectors and reverence ("The art of the sword is not that just to crush the enemy. This is primarily the ability to comprehend the root of life and death" - said in his book "The Secret of the Chinese master Chen Yuan-Bin.") Today it is still and a decent interior decoration, and a gift ...
The tradition of giving and collecting weapons originated in the Middle Ages. In Russia, XVII-XVIII centuries its own collection of weapons - the ceremonial, hunting and military - was seen as an element of prestige, a demonstration of good taste and status of the owner. Wealthy nobles and gentry ordered personal copies of the best weapons and armor master armorsmiths Moscow and St. Petersburg. Renowned historian and cultural studies, Ivan Zabelin, talking about the Russian way of life of the XVII century, noted that not only the palace, but also between the rich and noble people of that time was "the hunt for rarities and jewels, to different patterned, cunning and curious products of thing."
In the Armory preserved specimens luxurious royal gifts - they were sent to Russian princes, great lovers and connoisseurs of weapons.
And in this century weapons remains a symbol of power and high position in society. Sign of special respect for the person to whom it is presented. Weapons gladly accept the gift of the heads of state, cultural and political figures. But, of course, for the most part this is no ordinary weapons, and a piece of art that has artistic and historical value.
It is these highly artistic products come under the brand name "Russian sword." Stunning aesthetic expressiveness of each work, an astonishing perfection of lines and forms at first glance do not give doubt that we face - a sample of high art, a unique creation, which is destined to go through any troubled times and shine through the ages, celebrating the unique grandeur and sophistication of Russian weapons school .
Supervises a team of authors master gunsmith Anatoly Bogachev, founder of the new armory of the St. Petersburg school. A wise teacher who trained a galaxy of talented students. His works are well known and respected both in Russia and abroad, received top awards at international exhibitions.
Precious metals and stones, enamel, leather, sophisticated jewelry techniques he uses to create weapons. Each piece is unique - created in a single copy. Each piece of jewelry worthy to be called art, take place not only in private collections, but also in museums.

Magazine "Navigator jewelery trade", № 5, 2011, Secrets of Success