There is jewelry, churchplate and banquet tableware-goblets, jugs, love-cups, dishes, dippers, tumblers and what not-all of solid silver decorated with engraving, embossing, painted enamel and gilt.
Medieval Russian jewelry on display is of superb craftsmanship. Pride of place belongs to 12th century filigree and enameled beads, some adorned with tiny metal balls. The precious beads come from the world-renowned Gold Treasure of Old Ryazan. Rivalling the jewels in beauty are gem-studded silver icon and Gospel casings, some gilded.
The sumptuous exposition has brought together material and spiritual treasures |of Russian history. Each iterm exemplifies exquisite workmanship-the finely chiselled ivory of bishops' crosiers, the festive beauty of silver banquet cups, elaborate encolpia, and much else.
The museum has never before arranged such an impressive exposition as that. The Rarities of the Ryazan Citadel are coming as material demonstration of the beauty and versatility of Russian culture, and show how many treasures museum depositories possess.
