Filigree in decorative art of medieval Russia in the 10th -11th centuries

The first decorative use of wire filigree in Medieval Russia art is linked to its technical qualities and a supplementary decorative role, so it was used in rings and cones of item bodies, as grain setting, surface edges, and twined wire. In the 10th century Medieval Russia got acquainted with jewelry of the Scandinavian production in the partition and scroll styles and scrollwork styles; no Russian jewelry pieces were made yet. At the end of the 11th - early 12th century Byzantine impact on the art of Russian filigree manifested itself in adoption of the carpet and scrollwork styles by Russia as well as the use of strip filigree and the transition towards Byzantine-Christian ornamentation. Items with Christian narrative scenes and motifs, religious cult objects in filigree settings are associated with Russian-Byzantine art and craft contacts while some items were made in Medieval Russia. Ornamental development of filigree is similar to development of niello, enamel, goldwork typical for Christian art. Gold filigree items demonstrate a Byzantine line of ornamentation development with the transition from a flat austere style to an exuberant style. Scrollwork ornament included floral elements. All this shows distinctiveness and originality of Russian filigree art development.