THE HOLY MANDYLION (SPAS NERUKOTVORNY) IN A SILVER-GILT ENAMELLED OKLAD BY IVAN TARABROV. MOSCOW, 1894

I.F. Tarabrov Factory: History, Achievements, and Masterpieces of Russian Jewelry Art The I.F. Tarabrov Factory stands as one of the brightest examples of Russian jewelry craftsmanship from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Renowned as a unique producer of gold and silver items, the factory was celebrated both in Russia and internationally. Established in Moscow in 1893 by Ivan Filippovich Tarabrov, the workshop quickly rose to prominence, creating exquisite metalworks that combined refined craftsmanship with sophisticated artistic style. Founding and Development of the Factory Ivan Filippovich Tarabrov, a talented entrepreneur and jeweler, founded the enterprise in 1893. It soon became a symbol of quality and refinement. Initially located on Krasnokholmskaya Street, the factory later moved to Tarabrov′s private residence on Bolshaya Dvoryanskaya Street (now Pioneer Street) in Moscow. By 1897, the factory employed 46 workers and achieved an annual production volume of 52,000 rubles. Its primary focus was on creating jewelry, interior decor items, icon covers, and decorative pieces that adorned the homes of the nobility and churches. Technological Achievements The I.F. Tarabrov Factory was one of the first in Russia to adopt innovative methods for processing gold and silver, utilizing domestic raw materials and developing unique enamel techniques. A signature feature of its products was the use of transparent green enamel and multicolored dots against backgrounds of contrasting enamel shades, lending a vivid painterly quality to the pieces. Beneath red enamel, gold foil was always applied, creating a distinctive brilliance. Sharp relief chasing and modernist elements such as asymmetry and botanical ornaments gave the factory′s creations a unique identity. Artistic Features One of the key hallmarks of the factory′s works was fine engraving, the use of enamel, and meticulous ornamentation. The compositions were characterized by a harmonious blend of blue, red, and white tones. Modernist motifs, including clover flowers, buds along field edges, and multilobed crown designs, emphasized the sophistication of the pieces. The exceptional quality of the factory′s works was ensured by the expertise of engravers and artists collaborating with the factory. Most Renowned Works of the Factory "Imperial Lily" Necklace (1895, Moscow) — A luxurious gold necklace with diamonds and enamel, crafted in the Art Nouveau style, symbolizing the refined taste of the era."Harvest Celebration" Bowl (1897, State Historical Museum, Moscow) — A silver bowl adorned with multicolored enamel, depicting rural scenes."Russian Ornament" Snuffbox (1900, Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve) — A decorative gold snuffbox with filigree and enamel, highly popular among the nobility."Christ Pantocrator" Icon (1905, Church Archaeological Cabinet of the Moscow Theological Academy) — A silver icon cover embellished with mother-of-pearl and intricate chasing."Northern Lights" Bracelet (1902, Private Collection) — A platinum and diamond bracelet, notable for its unique interplay of light and shadow."Chamomile Summer" Tea Set (1910, Moscow Kremlin Museums) — A silver set coated with floral enamel, combining elegance with functionality. Hallmarks and Identification Features The factory’s hallmarks, "IT" and "I.T.," by Ivan Tarabrov, were distinctive:A hallmark featuring the initials "IT" enclosed in a square.Another type included "I.T." with dots under each letter, enclosed in a rectangle.The third variant for icon covers featured "I.T." with dots under each letter, enclosed in a triangle.These hallmarks were used to identify the factory′s products, highlighting their artistic and historical value. Items bearing these hallmarks can be found in major Russian and international museum collections. Legacy of the Factory Today, the works of the I.F. Tarabrov Factory are an integral part of Russia′s cultural heritage. They are preserved in prominent museums, including the State Historical Museum, the Moscow Kremlin Museums, the Sergiev Posad Museum-Reserve, the Church Archaeological Cabinet of the Moscow Theological Academy, and the Fabergé Museum in Saint Petersburg, as well as in private collections worldwide. Each piece represents not only exceptional craftsmanship but also the history of an era encapsulated in precious metals. Conclusion The I.F. Tarabrov Factory holds a unique place in the history of Russian jewelry art. Its products, which seamlessly combined technical excellence with artistic sophistication, became symbols of high taste and skill. The factory′s story is not only a tale of entrepreneurial and artistic success but also an enduring contribution to the world′s cultural heritage.