Lot #32: Vintage Soviet Armenian Chekanka Embossed Copper & Enamel Wall Plaque – "The Legend of Tamar" (Akhtamar)

Vintage Soviet Armenian Chekanka Embossed Copper & Enamel Wall Plaque – "The Legend of Tamar" (Akhtamar) Up for auction is a beautiful, highly collectible piece of mid-century Soviet folk art: an embossed copper relief plaque (chekanka) depicting the famous Armenian folklore tale, The Legend of Tamar. This mid-sized piece features stunning colored cold-enamel lacquer work set against a textured, patinated copper background. It comes complete with its original paper manufacturing passport label on the reverse side, fully validating its provenance, production factory, and era. Item Details & Specifications Title/Subject: The Legend of Tamar (Princess Tamar and her lover on Akhtamar Island) Country of Origin: Armenian SSR (Soviet Union) Manufacturer: Yerevan "IZO-KOMBINAT" (Art Combine of the Union of Artists of the Armenian SSR) Address of Production: 3 Tigranyan Street, Yerevan Dimensions: 8.45" x 10.5" (Approx. 21.5 cm x 26.5 cm) — Highly sought-after mid-sized variant Material: Chased/Embossed copper plate, colored alkyd enamel paints, and protective lacquer finishes Framing: Original Soviet metallic frame, ready to hang Historical & Cultural Provenance This piece is a masterful representation of chekanka (чеканка)—the traditional art of hand-hammering a relief design from the reverse side of a metal sheet. Hugely popular throughout the Soviet republics during the 1970s and 1980s, these pieces were produced as high-end decorative souvenirs by state-approved artist unions. The Scene: The artwork illustrates Princess Tamar from the tragic poem Akhtamar by Hovhannes Tumanyan, standing by the shores of Lake Van. In the background stands a detailed relief of the iconic 10th-century Cathedral of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island. The Medallion: In the upper left corner, a beautifully detailed circular copper medallion replicates the famous stone wall carving of the Abbasid Caliph Al-Muqtadir sitting cross-legged amidst a grapevine frieze, a nod to actual architectural carvings found on the cathedral's historic facade. The Collector's Value: Original Factory Tag Intact What makes this specific piece incredibly rare is the preservation of its original paper backing label (РСТ АРМ ССР 1269-81). The tag lists the historical retail price of 23 Rubles, 50 Kopecks—a premium price tag during the Soviet era (equivalent to nearly a week's wages for an average worker). The standard serial tracking numbers and factory stamps classify this as an authentic post-1981 production run. Condition Report Enamel: Excellent. The vivid cobalt blue, royal crimson, and bright orange enamels remain vibrant and firmly adhered to the copper channels with no major cracking or peeling. Metalwork: Fine condition with a gorgeous, deep age-appropriate patina across the dark background. No deep dents, warping, or major oxidation spots. Backing: The paper manufacturing passport is clearly legible and attached firmly to the reverse side. An exceptional, well-documented artifact of Soviet-era Armenian art history. Perfect for collectors of Soviet memorabilia, Mid-Century folk art, or Armenian cultural antiquities.
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