Showcases 5-6. Moscow goldsmithery of the XVIth century

The articles, represented in showcases 5-6, relate to the XVIth century, the time of the jewellery's flourishing period. By the time Grand Prince Ivan IV (the Terrible) assumed the title of tsar in 1547, Moscow has become the political and cultural centre of the newly-made Muscovy, i.e. its capital. The items, needed during feasts and ceremonial receptions, were created by the best jewellers, armourers, harness-makers, cart-wrights having been working in the Kremlin workshops. In the Armoury Chamber the unique collection of the jewellery artworks of the XVI-XIXth centuries, executed in precious materials with techniques of niello and enamels, are preserved.