Gold - set of 6 cards

£30.00

Inspired by gold artefacts crafted by the Saka tribes of Iron Age Kazakhstan. The gold animal, bird and plant figures that inspired this set were exhibited in the Gold of the Great Steppe Exhibition, hosted by the Fitzwilliam Museum in 2021. These cards were produced as merchandise for the museum shop.

Birds (x 2)
Inspired by a Scythian (Iron Age) clothing plaque crafted from gold sheet, 7th century BC, East Kazakhstan. The original plaque, no more than 2 cm wide, is one of many. Clothing plaques were sewn onto hessian cloth to create the effect that the wearer was adorned in cloth entirely made of gold.

Hope (Argali, mountain ram) (x 2)
Inspired by a 3-dimensional argali figure (giant mountain sheep) set on a petal-shaped base; crafted from gold sheet; decorative element of a headdress. The wording in the card design reads: 

“Turning the face to heaven is a sign of hope and fervent supplication for resurrection after death.” — from Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbaev

Poppy Seed Head (x 2)
Inspired by a small poppy seed head made of cast gold, originally the top of a headdress pin evoking images of the Poppy Goddess 4th century BC, East Kazakhstan.

Inspired by gold artefacts crafted by the Saka tribes of Iron Age Kazakhstan. The gold animal, bird and plant figures that inspired this set were exhibited in the Gold of the Great Steppe Exhibition, hosted by the Fitzwilliam Museum in 2021. These cards were produced as merchandise for the museum shop.

Birds (x 2)
Inspired by a Scythian (Iron Age) clothing plaque crafted from gold sheet, 7th century BC, East Kazakhstan. The original plaque, no more than 2 cm wide, is one of many. Clothing plaques were sewn onto hessian cloth to create the effect that the wearer was adorned in cloth entirely made of gold.

Hope (Argali, mountain ram) (x 2)
Inspired by a 3-dimensional argali figure (giant mountain sheep) set on a petal-shaped base; crafted from gold sheet; decorative element of a headdress. The wording in the card design reads: 

“Turning the face to heaven is a sign of hope and fervent supplication for resurrection after death.” — from Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbaev

Poppy Seed Head (x 2)
Inspired by a small poppy seed head made of cast gold, originally the top of a headdress pin evoking images of the Poppy Goddess 4th century BC, East Kazakhstan.

Set of 6 cards / 3 assorted designs: ‘Birds’ / ‘Hope’ (Argali - Mountain Ram) / ‘Poppy Seed Head’ /

Printed from original artworks on thick (300 gsm) water colour paper, hand finished with metallic gold leaf. The provenance of the artefact that inspired each individual card design is shown on the reverse.

Size 4” x 6” with envelopes. Each card is left blank for your own message.

Some of these cards are hand finished with biodegradable glitter made from polished silks.

All effort has been made to represent the true colours and vibrancy of this art.  Please note, vibrancy of colours when viewed here on a screen may differ from the actual product when viewed in natural light.

FREE SHIPPING in the UK, using Royal Mail services