Beaded Oklad Four-Panel Icon

The icon is adorned with a removable oklad crafted from densely sewn glass beads. The composition is divided into four panels, each depicting a stylized saint or a Mother-and-Child representation. Fine bead embroidery forms garments, halos, and floral ornaments. The border is entirely covered with silvery-grey beads and embellished with small, star-shaped bead appliqués. Individual cut-outs in the beadwork reveal parts of the underlying icon painting.

Upper Left:

This depiction shows the Mother of God in the icon “Unexpected Joy” (Russian: Нечаянная Радость). To the left, a supplicant kneels in a domestic setting before the icon of the Mother of God with the Christ Child. The scene is narrative, combining the miracle of forgiveness with Mary’s intercession.

Upper Right:

This is one of the Eleousa depictions (“The Merciful One”), recognizable by the intimate, cheek-to-cheek embrace between Mother and Child. The Christ Child nestles against Mary and holds a scroll – an indication of His wisdom and future teachings.

Lower Left:

This depiction shows the Mother of God as “Joy of All Who Sorrow” or a similar comforting variant. Mary holds Christ closely; both figures appear

more expressive and somewhat elongated. The gesture emphasizes comfort, compassion, and spiritual closeness.

Lower Right:

This is the icon of the Mother of God “Znamenie” (“The Sign”). Mary is depicted frontally and with dignity, with raised hands in an orans posture. The Christ Child appears before her in a round medallion – a symbol of the Incarnation and divine presence.