Filigree is one of the ancient methods of artistic metal processing. The word “filigree” is derived from Italian “filigrana”, which, in its turn, is stemmed from Latin “filum” (thread) and “granum” (grain), as the pattern is frequently made not only of woven wire but of tiny metal balls).

In Russia filigree has been known for quite a long time. Filigree objects are found in the archeological digs of the tumuli of the 9th century. In Russia the center of filigree handicraft was in the village Kazakovo of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The first Kazakovo artel for production of the filigree was organized in 1939. During World War II the artel did not stop its activities: the masters wove shoulder straps, made insignia and cigarette-cases. After the war the artel started producing knives and forks.

Kazakovo Plant of Art Products CJSC is a successor of the traditions of the Kazakovo artel. The plant develops the rich traditions of the past, introduces new items. While designing the pattern, the artists pay special attention not only to the flow and beauty of the curves of large and small elements of the pattern but to the form of the empty spaces as they play a very important role in the composition of the pattern. The artists constantly search for new images and combinations of elements. Thus, they have started to use gilding, natural stones, crystal, bone and enamel. All products are made manually, which adds to the unique character of the filigree.

Kazakovo plant produces various artistic objects: decorative vases and cups, musical boxes, glass-holders, candy boxes, decorations, tea-spoons, bowls, medals, signs, orders and insignia for the Russian armed forces. Lately the plant has initiated production of church objects: icon-lamps, icon frameworks, crosses. The plant has partnership relations with Holy-Trinity monastery, Seraphim-of-Diveevo nunnery, Holy-Daniil monastery, Trinity-Sergiev Laura, St. Alexander Nevsky cathedral and cathedrals of Saint-Petersburg.

Since 1998 the company has been operating using the trade-mark of the Patriarch' s workshop with the blessing of Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexis II.

There is an astonishing show-room at the plant. While admiring the masterpieces of the filigree art, you will plunge into the winter fairy-tale with its unique silver patterns of the frost lace repeated by the artists. Tourists are offered excursions around the plant, and master-classes.