cover image Folk Art in the Soviet Union

Folk Art in the Soviet Union

Tatyana Razina. ABRAMS, $60 (459pp) ISBN 978-0-8109-0944-1

Popular arts and handicrafts in the U.S.S.R. reflect the tremendous diversity of that multinational, multi-ethnic empire. As shown by this magnificent, revelatory survey by Russian art historians, folk art plays a ubiquitous role in Soviet daily and spiritual life, whether in Ukrainian peasant costumes, a mandala-shaped filigree silver tray from Armenia or such age-old traditions as the making of pottery, lace, painted tiles, embroidery, carpets, toys and carvings. This is an art of many moods--the solemn monumentality of Turkmen jewelry, soulful portrait paintings of Cossack musicians, Tadzhik fabrics' rhythmical riot of colors. In expressive Lithuanian wood sculpture or tusk carvings made by Yakuts of the Far North, folk art reaches heights of artistic refinement and craftsmanship. With 1430 plates (half in color), this breathtaking album makes a vital contribution to our understanding of Soviet art and culture. (Sept.)