Vintage USSR Rostov Finift hand-painted enamel brooch of young maiden near river

Vintage Soviet Rostov Finift enamel brooch. Round hand-painted medallion is set in an ornate scrolling and beaded silvered frame. The brooch depicts a traditional Russian motif of a young maiden in a sarafan sitting near a river.

Works of this Rostov craft involve a technique of miniature painting on enamel in a filigree metal frame, in which a pattern from tiny wires is soldered to a metal surface. The name finift comes from the Greek “fingitis,” which means, “gleaming.” Finift has a unique depth and shine because the painting on enamel has many layers and each layer is fired.

Origin: USSR, Rostov
Date: c. 1980's

19 g
5 cm diameter

Great vintage condition.