Unfading flowers. Icon of the Virgin Mary of unfading color. How to properly store preserved flowers

Jewelry connoisseurs consider the stone precious flowers of this famous company to be the true art of Faberge.

I invite you to admire the everlasting masterpieces of the Faberge firm and modern
jewelery masters of the Anna Nova House, which continues
traditions of creating exquisite miniatures from stone and precious metals.
I have been fascinated by them for a long time, let them bloom here too.

For his stone masterpieces, Faberge used rock crystal, chalcedony, carnelian, agate, aquamarine, opal, jasper, obsidian, jade, rhodonite and other stones. The stones were selected with great taste, and Faberge could skillfully change the natural color of the mineral, obtaining the right shades and tone. He boldly combined noble and ignoble materials. All the talent, imagination of the artist, the skill of a virtuoso enameller, stone cutter and the painstaking work of Carl Faberge were manifested here in full. The products were as close to nature as possible. In Faberge's Moscow workshop, they set up a special greenhouse where plants were grown, which later served as models for miniatures made of stones. Karl Gustavovich's working album with detailed photographs of fresh flowers has been preserved.
The products were not branded due to the fragility of the material.

Of the series of flowers in vases with “water” made of rock crystal, perhaps the most famous flower is the dandelion from the Armory Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin. The most amazing thing about this flower is that real dandelion fluff is inexplicably attached to the ends of its silver stamens. Moreover, there are also small diamonds scattered on top, which, under certain lighting, sparkle like drops of dew.
Even biologists were called in to examine the fluff, and they reliably established that it was real, and the age of the fluff corresponded to the date of creation of this masterpiece - about a hundred years. How Faberge managed to secure the weightless fluffs and ensure their safety is completely unclear.

Dandelion in a vase. C. Faberge, 1914-1917 Armouries

Among Faberge's exquisite flowers, the most common are pansies, which symbolized the donor's thoughts about the subject of his thoughts and were romantically called "Cupid's delight."
The pansy flower is made of gold and covered with the most delicate polychrome enamels. The leaves are carved from jade, and the rock crystal glass is so skillfully crafted that it seems as if water has been poured into it.

Pansies. House of C. Faberge Author master G. Wigström (1862 - 1930).

Henrik Emmanuel Wigström - goldsmith of Finnish origin, assistant to the famous master Mikhail Perkhin, since 1903 chief master firm K. Faberge.

Nicholas II presented these pansies from G. Wingström to his wife on their tenth wedding anniversary. Hidden inside the flower is a special miniature mechanism that is activated when you press a tiny button. The petals of the flower open, and portraits of all the children of the imperial family appear inside it.

Pansies. Faberge firm, master G. Wigström.
Rock crystal, diamonds, glass, bone, gold. Museums of the M. Kremlin

Another flower "Pansy"

Gold flower covered with enamel, Faberge firm

The same flower in different lighting

Cornflowers in a vase made of rock crystal. Silver gilt stems, petals
made using the guilloché enamel technique, the stamens are decorated with pink diamonds.

Precious cornflowers, St. Petersburg, 1900

These "Cornflowers" were purchased from Faberge in 1944.
British Queen Mary for Queen Elizabeth.

Cornflowers and oat stalks. Gold, rock crystal, diamonds; casting,
carving, embossing, polishing, enamel. High 29 cm
1880s

Narcissus with jade leaves and rock crystal water


Narcissus, firm of C. Faberge, after 1904. Hermitage, St. Petersburg

In 1896, Alexandra Feodorovna received as a gift from the merchants Nizhny Novgorod A bouquet of lilies of the valley by Faberge is a copy of an ancient Chinese palace decoration. The Empress was delighted with pearl and diamond lilies of the valley with jade leaves in a golden basket. Since then, this bouquet usually stood on her table.

Basket with lilies of the valley, Faberge House, master August Holström. 1896 Gold, silver, jade, pearls, diamond

Lily of the valley flower. Emperor Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna
purchased this symbol of spring on March 22, 1914.

Lily of the valley. K. Faberge. Gold, pearls, jade, rock crystal.

He's the same

More Faberge lilies of the valley:

Largest collection stone flowers Faberge's work is now in the possession Queen of England Elizabeth II, 26 works out of 80 produced.
The bulk of the collection was collected at one time by Queen Alexandra of Britain, who is the sister of the Russian Empress Maria Feodorovna.

Can't resist decorating! Carl Faberge's jewelry was accessible to different segments of society. Most of all, the master valued the idea, not the cost. Therefore, it was possible to purchase a brooch for 1 ruble and for one hundred thousand rubles.

Three Faberge brooches with flowers:

C. Faberge - Brooch "Iris" with diamonds, carved stone with iris

In this video you can see not only flowers, but also Faberge berries:

For those who are not in a hurry. Film about the Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg:

"The Anna Nova house was created in 2004 in St. Petersburg. From the very beginning the main focus creative activity The company began to create exquisite miniatures from stone and precious metals. The history of such precious “trinkets” has a long tradition both in Europe and in Russia, where the best of them were made by the firm of Carl Faberge. Jewelry House "Anna Nova" aims to continue and develop the traditions of this type of jewelry creativity high level." (Website -

All believers turn to the Most Pure Virgin Mary, some with a request for help, others with gratitude, and others simply for consolation. The Mother of God is the most revered image among Orthodox Christians; judging by legends and testimonies, the Mother of God does not leave people alone with their misfortune. The Icon of the Unfading Color is one of the most touching images of the Virgin Mary.

The history of the appearance of the Unfading Color

On the largest Ionian Greek island of Kefalonia, a tradition has been carried out since ancient times: on the feast of the Annunciation Holy Mother of God(April 7) Pilgrims coming to the island bring white lily-like flowers. According to the apocrypha, with a similar white flower, which symbolizes immaculate purity, Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary with the good news of immaculate conception. Flowers placed by parishioners under the icon case are not removed until one of the main Orthodox holidays- Assumption (August 28), they lie without water and light. In the twilight, without moisture, the flowers and stems gradually dry out, but by the Dormition the plants miraculously come to life, the stems are filled with moisture, and instead of dry inflorescences, buds appear, white flowers bloom, thereby becoming an unfading color.

What does the image mean for the Orthodox?

According to the Byzantine akathists, Jesus Christ and the Queen of Heaven are compared to unfading flowers. It was on the basis of the akathists that the miraculous image of the Mother of God “Unfading Flower” (XVII century) was created on the sacred Mount Athos.

On the shrine, the Mother of God is depicted with her Son, whom she holds in one hand and in the other hand a white unfading flower. On some icons you can see pink plant(a rose or just a rose branch), and the baby - then on right hand, then on the left. But from a slight difference in the images, the meaning of the icon does not lose its power and miraculous power. It is argued that the first icons depicted the Mother of God seated on a throne and holding a scepter entwined with a white branch.

The significance for believers of the “Unfading Color” icon is difficult to overestimate; legends are made about its power. One of the legends tells that the Blessed Virgin helps women preserve their beauty long years. The significance of the icon is especially great for virgins who want to find a worthy mate for life. In ancient times, this information was secret, and it was transmitted exclusively through the female line.

Image help

The face of the Mother of God in “Unfading Flower” is one of the most gentle, peaceful, beautiful, radiating calmness, joy, and love. It seems that one glance at the enchanting image is enough for sadness to subside, worries to dissipate, and the soul to calm down.

What does the image help with:

• preserve women's youth;
• maintain chastity;
• girls find a life partner;
• gain understanding between loved ones;
• relieve mental turmoil;
• guide you on the righteous path;
• solve family problems;
• protect the family hearth from harm;
• family people to get rid of temptations;
• preserve the family, family values.

The “Unfading Color” icon was used to bless the bride at her wedding for a happy marriage.

What to pray for

The main thing when reading a prayer is sincerity and faith. Sincere prayer to the Mother of God helps dispel fears and anxieties. The rebellious seeking soul calms down and becomes peaceful. Before the image, you need to pray for the expulsion of dark thoughts, peace of mind, ask the Mother of God for understanding, peace for the family. People who are confused in life, looking for their own path, can safely turn to the holy image for guidance on the true path.

Most often, young virgins turn to Mother to find the one person with whom they can live their whole lives without troubles. Girls who want to avoid worldly temptations and devote their lives to serving the Almighty also pray. Married women They pray if problems arise at home, if there is a schism and misunderstanding. It is believed that the Queen of Heaven helps married couple maintain good relationships and strengthen the family.

Miraculous image

Since ancient times, people have believed in miracles sent by " Unfading color" Hundreds of thousands of Christians were freed from mental anxieties thanks to the holy image. Many testify to real healings. Mother especially loves and helps children. Cases are described when parents prayed to the Intercessor for the health of sick children and the children received healing. The children's speech problems disappeared, and one day, a mute child began to talk after his parents prayed.

World shrine lists

The study of the iconography of the image is varied. After the appearance of “Unfading Color,” many versions of icon painting arose, differing in detail, but identical in meaning. Some researchers are inclined to believe that the appearance of the first Athonite copy was in Constantinople. Whether this is true or not, since then three main well-known trends in icon painting of the Virgin Mary have emerged:

1. Russian.
2. Bulgarian.
3. Greek.

Each direction has its own traditions. Flowers on copies can be found not only white, but pink and even red. But in all the images one can discern the prototype of the lily presented to the Queen of Heaven by the Archangel Gabriel. In the Historical Museum of Athens there is a 16th-century image in which the Son of God, rather than the Mother of God, holds the branch. And in the 17th century, iconography was created in Belarus with royal crowns on the heads of the Mother of God and the Child. It is assumed that it was from this copy that the tradition of painting the Infant God and the Mother of God with crowns on their heads arose, which does not contradict the principles of Christian icon painting.

On later copies in the 19th century, the compositions are simpler and inferior to ancient images in the richness of color and detail. The compositions become simpler, many attributes disappear, the branches are depicted less luxurious and bright.

Moscow lists

IN pre-revolutionary Russia there was a Moscow monastery for unmarried girls, it was called Alekseevsky. It was there that the most ancient list icon “Unfading Color” in front of which the girls prayed to preserve spiritual purity and maintain bodily purity. Most likely, the list was brought to Russian Empire almost immediately after the painting of the image in the 17th century, since one known copy is dated 1691. The copy is different from the others: on it the baby is standing in full height, leans his hand on the shoulder of the seated Mother of God. On the right side of the Mother of God there is a ribbon with the name of the icon. On the throne there is a jug with a beautiful white branch.

Another famous list was kept in the Church of the Assumption in Mogiltsy. The bottom of the copy depicts a beautiful blossoming lily on which stands the Son of God. The mother supports the baby with one hand, holds a white branch with the other, and Angels hover above her head. The Church of the Assumption was mentioned in their works by Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Alexander Griboyedov. Currently, the church has been revived and houses modern list"Fadeless colour" as the vintage copy disappeared under Soviet rule.

Where can you see "Eternal Color"

Lists of miraculous icons can be seen by visiting the following holy places:

• Russia, Moscow: Krasnoye Selo, St. Alekseevsky Monastery (the original was located here until 1757).
• Voronezh: Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The image was revered and loved by Seraphim of Sarov, who prayed to him in the temple of the town of Kadom (Ryazan region).
• Samara Region: amazing case happened in the house of a Christian woman, appeared on the window glass miraculous image"Unfading color" that disappears with the onset of night and appears with dawn. It was in 2012 on April 16 (the day of celebration of the “Unfading Color”, April 3 - according to the old style). Since then, countless pilgrims have come to see the miracle and pray. They even tried to convict the owner of fraud, there were a lot of commissions in the house, but nothing came of it, the Face of the Virgin Mary appears on the glass every morning.
• Yeisk district: a miraculous spring, which was revived in 2008.
• Ukraine, Kiev region: in the Vasilkovsky district there is a temple consecrated in honor of this image.
• Kherson region: Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, here the icon differs from the others in that it bleeds, many sick people and simply believers come here to look at miraculous icon and pray to her from the bottom of my heart.

The Power of Image for Modern Believers

Pilgrims come en masse to Greece to Mount Athos to admire the amazing image of the Mother of God and tell her about their troubles, asking for healing for themselves and their relatives. Orthodox believe that they will receive healing or relief from illness, peace, help and resolution of family problems. The Holy Fathers warn that Mother helps only with sincere prayer, if the request for “help” comes from the heart, only with faith.

Athonite priests compare the tender branches on the images with the pure souls of people. This means that without vital moisture, plants wither, and without true faith and love, plants become stale. human soul, its most positive features disappear. But after sincere prayer from the all-encompassing unconditional love God and the Mother of God the soul can be reborn to a new righteous life how the wonderful branches on the sacred iconography are reborn.

Where in the house should the icon be located?

The main place in the house should be given to Jesus Christ and the Savior. For home interior No strict rules placement of icon paintings, as for churches. “Fadeless Color” can be placed in any place convenient for quiet prayer. The main thing is to highlight the “red corner” of the image, place it above the other lists (except for Christ), and decorate it, as is customary in Orthodoxy. Placement in cluttered cabinets is unacceptable, and there is no need to place any items next to the shrine. foreign objects, except for the immediate details decorating the Virgin Mary.

Fresh flowers are wonderful gift And best decoration interior Unfortunately, their life is short, their beauty is fleeting and short-lived. Surprisingly, in our time, technologies have emerged that allow us to preserve the fragile beauty of a bouquet for several years!

What do they offer? modern technologies? How to keep it fresh natural flower for how long?

Why don't flowers fade?

Stabilized flowers, dehydrated flowers, eternal living flowers - this is what they call processed flowers. special technology living plants. During the processing process, all moisture is removed from freshly cut flowers and replaced with a special glycerin-based liquid, which stops the natural processes of photosynthesis and metabolism in the plant. The flower seems to be preserved, does not fade, and its aging stops.

This is a complex process, the details of which are kept secret by manufacturers. As well as the exact compositions of the solutions in which the flowers are immersed. After this treatment, not only the natural color and the feeling of freshness when touched are preserved, but even a faint natural aroma is present! Other elements of living decor - leaves, ornamental grasses, branches deciduous trees and shrubs, coniferous trees.

At the same time, the flower remains fresh for a long time. According to various sources, a stabilized bouquet can delight with natural beauty and freshness for several months and even years. And flowers in glass from Natural Flower Products retain their natural beauty for up to 8 years!

What are the advantages of stabilized colors?

Florists create real works of art from fresh flowers. What a pity that they are short-lived! With new technologies it is possible to preserve beauty for a long time.

Unlike traditional bouquets, compositions made from dehydrated flowers have the following important advantages:

• do not require maintenance, watering and sunlight;
• retain their natural appearance for several years;
• do not depend on the seasonality factor.

How to properly store preserved flowers?

Unfading flowers will surprise you with their beauty for a long time if you follow several rules for handling them:

• do not allow water to enter;
• do not store them in areas with increased level humidity;
• Avoid direct sunlight.

The most suitable temperature for storing stabilized plants is +5…35°C, optimal humidity air - 60–80%.

The only problem other than water getting in and high humidity indoors - dust. There is always a certain amount of dust in the air, it settles on all surfaces and the bouquet will soon become dusty too. How to clean it? Fresh flowers and houseplants simply spray or immerse in water. But dehydrated flowers are afraid of water! Mechanical cleaning will also easily damage

Flowers in glass are the best choice!

This problem can be easily solved by using glass containers. Round transparent vessels, wide glass tubes, vases of various shapes - all this is used in interior design. They are appropriate in any style, easily combined with each other, combined with ceramics, wood, and metal. “Eternally living” flowers can be placed in such a vessel and all care problems will immediately be simplified.

The unfading flower is called caudate amaranth ( Amaranthus caudatus). The ancient Greeks saw it as a symbol of immortality. And not in vain: amaranth inflorescences look spectacular both in the garden and in winter bouquets; when dried, they retain their beauty for a long time.

Amaranth came to Europe from the East Indies in 1596. The colorful waterfalls of its luxurious inflorescences made such a strong impression that in Sweden, Queen Christina founded the Order of the Knights of Amaranth in 1653. To this day, despite their rather demanding nature, these flowers are loved by gardeners. He's not nearly as exotic as his " close relative"Australian endemic, but its cultivation does not raise puzzling questions or bitter disappointments.

External data

Amaranth caudate – annual plant. IN favorable conditions it reaches a height of one and a half meters. Amaranth grows slowly at first, so it is grown exclusively by seedlings; optimal time sowing seeds for the Non-Black Earth zone - mid-March.

The uniqueness of this plant lies in its unusual paniculate inflorescences, consisting of many small burgundy-red or yellow-green flowers. Amaranth blooms approximately two and a half months after the shoots appear. Appearing at the top of the plant, the inflorescences gradually grow, drooping and hanging down; The length of the inflorescences can reach up to 80 cm.

Growing amaranth seedlings and choosing a place in the garden

Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out to a depth of one and a half centimeters. The optimal temperature for seedlings is from +20 to +24* C; in such conditions, the first shoots appear already on the 4th – 5th day. It is important to protect the seedlings from the cold; When placing containers on the window, take care to protect the roots from hypothermia. The recommended air temperature for seedlings is from +19 to +21* C.

Seedlings require good lighting. To prevent the plants from shading each other, the seedlings are thinned out, removing weak plants, and when 1–2 true leaves appear, they are planted in pots measuring 6 x 6 cm. In the garden, you should also choose a light area for amaranth.

To protect against black leg The seedlings are watered with a pale solution of potassium permanganate. Treatment with bioregulators (for example, immunocytophyte or epin) is useful to increase plant resistance to unfavorable conditions. It is advisable to limit fertilizing, taking into account slow growth seedlings.

Soils for growing amaranth are preferably loamy or sandy loam, well-drained. It is advisable to prepare the site in the fall; Digging up the soil, add humus (at the rate of 5 kg per square meter), potassium and phosphate fertilizers. Planting plants in open ground possible after the threat of late frost has passed.

The optimal planting pattern is 40 x 70 cm. It is preferable to place amaranth in the background of the flower garden or plant it in separate groups - this will not only emphasize its features, but will also allow you to hide the stakes to which adult plants are tied.

Features of care

During the summer, amaranth requires regular feeding. 1 – 2 times per season applied to the soil organic fertilizer; Feed flowers with complete mineral until three times during the summer. It is necessary to monitor soil moisture: mature plant It can withstand drought, but at the same time almost completely stops growing.
Care should be taken to protect against pests in a timely manner. Amaranth inflorescences are often affected by aphids. To get rid of it, treatment is recommended biological drugs akarin or fitoverm.

Grown amaranths must be tied up. In June, you should pinch the tops so that the plants do not stretch; Amaranth planted in the ground grows quite quickly. At the end of August, the inflorescences are cut off for winter bouquets and quickly dry them with hot air to preserve their shape and color.

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