|
The rich history of silver mining and silversmithing in Greece dates back to ancient times, with significant developments during the Ottoman period. The reopening of the ancient mines of Lavrion in 1865 marked a revival in the supply of silver, paralleling imports from America.
|
Techniques such as cupellation, known in Greek as lagarisma, were pivotal in purifying noble metals and have been practiced since antiquity. This method remained fundamental up to the mid-20th century, despite its time-consuming and hazardous nature, demanding technical expertise and often carried out by itinerant craftsmen in rural areas.
|
|
Today, silversmiths predominantly use imported pure silver and recycle leftovers from their work, continuing the legacy of this intricate craft.
|
|
|
The Legacy of Kalarrytes and Ioannina
|
|
In the 18th century, the Vlach village of Kalarrytes in the Tzoumerka mountains became renowned for its silversmithing, achieving prominence by the early 19th century. Kalarrytes craftsmen, known as chryssikoi, develop a unique artistic style influenced by their interactions with Greek communities across Europe, Russia, and Moldo-Wallachia.
|
By the early 19th century, Kalarrytes reached its peak in craftsmanship, producing many religious works. However, the village's destruction in 1821 by Ottoman Turks forces many silversmiths to emigrate, leading to a gradual decline in the guilds.
|
Approximately 60 kilometres away, another village in Epirus region - Ioannina, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, also flourished intellectually and economically, leading to a high demand for silver objects as symbols of economic prosperity and social prestige. Wealthy merchants, dignitaries, warriors, and the Church were among the primary clients.
|
At the dawn of the 20th century, Ioannina faced recession, prompting many silver- and goldsmiths to emigrate for survival. After the liberation of Ioannina from the Ottoman in 1913, craftsmen continued travelling to Europe, mainly Italy, to follow developments and study, incorporating new elements into their tradition. After 1922, refugees from Asia Minor settled, introducing new styles and revitalising local craftsmanship.
|
|
|
|
|
Silversmithing Education
|
|
The first silversmithing school in Ioannina was established in 1930 and continued until 1969, with a brief pause during World War II. A new Apprentice School founded in 1959 coexisted with the original school for a decade, reflecting the community’s commitment to preserving and advancing the craft.
|
|
|
The Elegance of Filigree Technique
|
|
|
|
Filigree work is composed of small sets of wire elements, such as small figure-nines, tiny carnations, leaves, daisies, and shells, which form decorative motifs contained by a frame of thicker wire, the tsatmas. The elements are placed in the frames using tweezers. This is followed by soldering them using silver solder. The piece’s quality is determined by the finesse and density of the work, its composition style, and the variety and contrasts between the elements composing it.
|
|
|
|
During Craeft visit to Ioannina, we met and learnt about filigree from Faidon Ilias at his workshop. Using the traditional filigree technique, he creates handmade art pieces, including ecclesiastical and decorative items, as well as jewelry. His workshop is located at the Centre of Traditional Crafts of Ioannina (KE.PA.V.I.).
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guardians of Tradition
|
|
Silver amulets, containing holy relics, wood from the True Cross, or verses from the Quran for Muslim owners, served as protective talismans, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious fabric of Ioannina.
|
|
|
|
Traditional Craft Center of Ioannina
|
The Traditional Craft Center of Ioannina has opened in a central location next to Lake Pamvotida. It features silversmithing workshops, a museum, a cultural events hall, a café-restaurant, and a retail shop for silversmithing products. This center is a must-visit to experience the traditional art of handmade silversmithing in Ioannina.
|
|
|
|
|
The Silversmithing Museum in Ioannina offers a comprehensive look at these historical techniques and the evolution of this exquisite craft. From ancient methods to modern adaptations, the museum preserves the rich heritage and intricate artistry of Ioannina's silversmiths.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
