Size: H97 L89 D3 cm
One-of-a-kind piece
Collectible Maximalism Gold & Silk Art Deco Embroidered Tapestry Fine Art titled "Scythians" by Michael Verkholantsev. This unique 1/1 masterpiece scales the totemic power of Pablo Picasso's masks and the monumental forms of Henry Moore.
The Scythian Legacy & Iconography
The profound mystique of this artwork is rooted in the rich heritage of the Scythians—an ancient, powerful nomadic civilization of fierce warriors and skilled artisans who dominated the Eurasian steppes from the 8th century BC to the 2nd century AD. Renowned in antiquity and documented by Herodotus, the Scythians left behind a legendary artistic legacy, most notably their exquisite, highly stylized gold work found in royal burial mounds (kurgans). Their art was deeply spiritual, defined by a mesmerizing "animal style" full of shapeshifting totems, mythical beasts, and shamanic energy. In this tapestry, Verkholantsev channels this raw, primal ethos, translating ancient nomadic gold mastery into the language of modern high-end textile design.
Artistic Concept & Intellectual Dialogue
Conceived as a masterwork of collectible maximalism, "Scythians" (97 x 89 cm) is a mesmerizing textile artwork that bridges ancient nomadic mysticism with the sophisticated aesthetic of Modern Mannerism. Based on an original drawing by the acclaimed academician Michael Verkholantsev, the composition centers on a powerful, enigmatic figure, deeply rooted in the historical and totemistic iconography of the ancient Scythian culture.
he intricate, mask-like facial features and dense, fluid patterns evoke a primal yet hyper-refined energy. Measuring 97 by 89 centimeters, this striking tapestry serves as an authoritative visual anchor and an ideal Art Deco centerpiece for an intimate library, private gallery, or executive office curated by top AD100 designers.
The Golden Chasing Effect & Masterful Textile Craft
The extraordinary value of this unique (1/1) artwork is defined by its complex, meticulous hand-craftsmanship. The central mythological subject is executed using premium silk and ultra-fine gold metallic threads. The virtuosic satin stitch embroidery replicates the precise cross-hatching of classical fine-art engravings. Under directed gallery spotlights, the dense golden embroidery catches light from multiple angles, creating a shimmering chasing effect that gives the textile surface the physical weight and optical depth of ancient repoussé metalwork.
Ancient Lacquer Artistry & 24K Gold Framing
The masterpiece is showcased within a bespoke, museum-grade frame crafted from premium birch and structural art-plywood, treated with a flawless high-gloss ebonized finish. The frame has been painstakingly finished using ancient Eastern multi-layer techniques with authentic natural lacquer harvested from the sacred lacquer tree (Urushi). This deep, piano-black surface is beautifully elevated and enclosed by a brilliant, monumental 24K Gold Leaf border, creating a perfect frame-within-a-frame effect that echoes the gold tones of the textile artwork. The synthesis of exquisite embroidery and elite decorative finishes cements this piece as a secure, high-value asset for contemporary art investment.
About the Artist: Michael Verkholantsev
Michael Verkholantsev is a world-renowned, blue-chip living master, painter, and Academician of the Fine Arts. Widely celebrated as a supreme virtuoso of modern woodcut engraving and xylography, his distinctive style combines Mannerist emotional intensity with flawless classical draftsmanship. His highly coveted artworks reside in prestigious permanent museum collections globally—including The Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam) and The Victoria and Albert Museum (London)—as well as elite private art foundations across Europe and the United States, cementing this 1/1 tapestry as a secure, institutional-grade contemporary art asset.