Who orders and buys ZLATOUST masterpieces?

«Praktica» - the most known and recognized ZLATOUST steel engraving workshop - carries out greatest volume of the orders for the largest museums of Russia: State Hermitage (St. Petersburg), Armoury of Moscow Kremlin, State Museum of History (Moscow), Central Museum of Navy Forces (Moscow), Artillery Museum (Moscow) and others.

Their important customers are Ministry of Navy Forces, Russian Army, the governmental organizations, corporations and banks (both Russian and foreign). On the very special occasions ZLATOUST pieces are presented to the leaders of the states or governments, to high-ranking officials as a recognition sign of their merits (for example, special series were designed for the chiefs of the Emergency Ministry of Russia). They fulfil exclusive orders for personal or public anniversaries (for example, they have designed special sabres for the former Prime-Ministers of Russia, including Mr Chernomirdine and some arab princes and sheikhs, remarkable engraved portrait for His Holiness Alexiy the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia).

Nowadays more and more often private persons become buyers of the ZLATOUST chef-d'oeuvres: collectors - connoisseurs of cold decorated arms, beautiful jewelry or collectibles; any men and women - selecting unforgettable souvenirs or unique ornaments for homes; any customers captivated by harmony and perfect charms of the ZLATOUST products. The art of the foremen of Zlatoust is national pride and cultural riches of Russia.

Many people still remember a scandalous story of the famous pop-star Michael Jackson receiving during his performances in Moscow a ZLATOUST sabre as a souvenir from well-known Mr. À. Korzhakov. The customs officers have not permitted the singer to take out this sabre from Russia under a lawful pretext, that it was a cultural art object (which is absolute truth!) and its export is not authorized. Only in a year Mr Jackson has finally received the treasure.

Obstacles and stereotypes

Very complicated and costly export procedures are to be undergone to legally export works of art from Russia, and it makes the ZLATOUST accessories practically unavailable abroad. Only professional workshops themselves can handle it properly. It also serves as the basic reason for relative «obscurity» of these items behind boundaries of Russia and hampers them to occupy a deserved place wrightfully belonging to them in the global market of fine arts.

The second important reason is existance of renowned conservatism, maybe even inertness of western buyers and usual stereotypes in relation to any products coming out from Russia. Often western consumers for the same level of price prefer to purchase rather «branded, promoted thing" than natural piece of art, even if it is just a stamping produced in millions of copies.

After all, it is unfairly considered that in Russia hand-work is very cheap, therefore everything originally Russian should be of no significant value – regardless of quality, decoration fineness or uniqueness of a product.

(For the sake of justice it is necessary to note, that some «entrepreneural Russians» have taken active part in formation of such opinion).

The true connoisseurs and experts, they do not ask questions on the prices -all is very obvious for them. The highest skill and art should be estimated at its real worth.