Six years ago, Andrew Stonebarger left his job with the federal government to pursue an avocation ? collecting, selling, and displaying Russian art and artifacts.
Stonebarger was no stranger to this Eastern culture, he had studied the language in college, used it in his government work and even married a Russian woman.
Today, a trove of contemporary Russian works can be viewed and purchased beyond the shop entrance of his Tradestone Gallery in Federal Hill.
All of his inventory is imported; his shelves filled with the most exquisite treasures in wood and porcelain. Framed oil paintings and water colors adorn the gallery walls.
Stonebarger prides himself on his outstanding collection of some of the finest lacquer boxes in the country.
“These [boxes] are our most popular items,” he said. “We specialize in them on the Internet, as well.”
The lacquer boxes to which he refers are a Russian art tradition where the designer paints miniature scenes onto a box crafted in papier-mâché.
The artist then applies layers of lacquer for a stunning shine.
According to Stonebarger, many of the paintings on the boxes depict characters from Russian fairy-tales, such as the Snow Maiden and the Firebird.
Another popular item falls under the category of nesting dolls. These pieces are called “Matryoshka” in Russian, and are sets of wooden dolls, variously scaled and each nestled into the other.
All are individually hand drawn and meticulously painted in bright colors. The result exemplifies unique objects of design and inspiration.
One-of-a-kind items include beautiful and delicate handmade jewelry pieces. Most striking is the Rostov Flower brooches.
Artisans in Rostov, Russia, paint a glass-like substance onto glass or metal and fire the work in a kiln, for stunning bracelets and necklaces.
“We also have our ?Russian Connection?? Olga Cheney,” said Stonebarger.
“She helps out in the gallery and has some of her works displayed [here] as well.”
The Russian painter Natalya Bazhenova visited Tradestone Gallery for a few weeks and left behind works of local sights in both watercolor and oils.
“You?re not going to find these kind of items in the Wal-Mart,” Stonebarger laughed.
To visit the store
» 803 Light St., Baltimore
» 410-752-8085
» Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (except Tuesday)
