Cotton fabric collection of Kuvaevskaya manufacture partnership, represented at the international exhibition in Paris (1900)

By the first quarter of 19th century cotton-printing manufacture in Ivanovo region had reached its high level, decorative technologies were developing and the demand in search and extension of market outlet were ramping up. Recovery of economic situation in Russia and industrial revolution in West-European countries made the necessity of exchange of industrial achievements important. Russian and then international exhibitions made it possible to a greater extent. They started to be held regularly from the second quarter of 19th century. The article for the first time investigates the cotton fabric collection of Kuvaevskaya manufacture Partnership, represented at the international exhibition in 1990. Displayed collections are rather diverse and include different types of cotton cloth (cotton, sateen, doup etc.), they were aimed both for fabrication of clothes - dresses, shirts, fashionable jackets and for decorative needs (textile for furniture lining). The principles of assorting of fabric samples, featured in the exhibition, are revealed. This article demonstrates the main stylistic influences in the textile embroidery. What calls our attention is the Variety of ornaments, in which we can see a nod to the fashionable practice at the turn of 19-20th centuries - Art Nouveau style, which is reflected in esthetics of geometrical and floral forms. The participation of the calico-printing factory at the World Art and Industrial Exhibition in Paris in 1900 was analyzed having based the archival data. The collection of cotton fabric made by the Kuvaevskaya Manufactory Association reflects both the achievements of the calico-print industry of that time and the high level of workmanship and professionalism of the Ivanovo Calico-Printing School representatives.