Steel engraving returns to its roots

The art of steel engraving has a long tradition in the Russian city of Zlatoust in the Urals. The industry has had its ups-and-downs over the past two centuries, but now business is booming.

This form of Russian art was born in Zlatoust nearly two centuries ago. Nestled within the Southern Ural Mountains, the city is rich in minerals and metals.

Local craftsmen have absorbed their rich inheritance, preserved the skill of their ancestors, and have brought steel engraving into the 21st century.

Engraving was supposed to increase the effectiveness of the weapon, particularly through the holder’s emotional state. Touching a decorated weapon strengthened his will and increased his fighting spirit.

In the 19th century, the Zlatoust ironworks were the main suppliers of cold steel blades to the Russian army. But in those days, the German armourers of Zollingen were leaders in the industry, and in finding methods to decorate their weapons. Russia invited German engravers to Zlatoust to divulge their secrets. Local Russian apprentices not only grasped the skill of their German masters, but surpassed it. 

The industry lost its way during the Soviet era. Industrial scenes, landscapes and portraits became the order of the day, most made from cheap materials as souvenirs. An avalanche of orders forced the factory to adopt methods of copying and stenciling. Quality was reduced. 

Critics of the time called the art “painting on metal.” This forced some employees to break away from the mainstream, taking the art of engraving back to its roots.

The LIK workshop was the first private business to emerge from the state factory. Reviving the technology and skill of the Zlatoust masters, its team of professionals has gone back to basics.

The LIK workshop caters for the exclusive market. While not everyone can afford such luxury, business is booming.