Bidspirit auction | Memorial Lacquer Plaque in Commemoration

Memorial Lacquer Plaque in Commemoration of Ivan Mikhailovich Bakanov (1870–1936) - Palekh, USSR, 23 January 1970. Papier-mâché, egg tempera, raised and leaf gold, lacquer. 15 by 18 cm; rectangular wall panel. Condition report: Signs of wear; abrasions to the lacquer; losses to the lacquer on the reverse; traces of pigment along the edges and on the front. Provenance: From the Golikov family collection. The plaque was created in 1970 to mark the centenary of Ivan Mikhailovich Bakanov, one of the founders of Palekh art. A memorial plaque executed in the tradition of Palekh lacquer painting, originally intended to mark the working place of the artist. The inscription, applied in gold on a black lacquer ground, records the historical details of Bakanov’s workspace and the installation of the commemorative plaque. The calligraphy is executed with refined decorative precision. The upper section is adorned with an ornamental frieze in raised gold, incorporating stylised vegetal motifs characteristic of the Palekh tradition. The object combines artistic and documentary functions, serving as a material record of the history of Palekh workshops and their leading figures. Collecting & Investment Potential: Memorial objects associated with the founders of Palekh represent a rare category of works with significant historical importance. Pieces preserved within family archives are extremely uncommon on the market. Such objects are of particular interest to museum collections and specialised holdings focused on the history of Russian decorative arts. A rare memorial object associated with Ivan Mikhailovich Bakanov and preserved within the Golikov family. Material of this nature is seldom available and is typically acquired by institutions and advanced collectors.