Pelena (Icon Cloth)

The epitaphios is made of white satin, rectangular in form. At the center of the composition is the scene of the "Entombment" (Lamentation): the body of Jesus Christ rests on a funeral bier, surrounded by the figures of St. Nicodemus, St. John Chrysostom, the Mother of God (with a round golden halo around her head), St. Mary Magdalene, and St. Joseph of Arimathea (their names embroidered above them). Above the Mother of God's head rises a four-armed cross. Above the whole scene hover two angels with rhipidia, and beneath the funeral bier are embroidered two smaller angels. In the corners of the frame are embroidered carnations in black, white, and green thread. The composition is bordered by a double band, within which is a lush floral ornament, alternating large stylized tulips, buds, and blossoms.

The embroidery is worked in silk thread of various shades of black, yellow, red, lilac, green, and light blue, and in gold-toned bullion thread.

The epitaphios is lined on the reverse with purple silk.

The object entered the museum's holdings in 1956.

Note: an epitaphios (plashchanytsia) is a large cloth depicting Jesus Christ lying in the tomb. In the Orthodox rite, the epitaphios of Christ is carried out and displayed at the center of the church during the services of Holy Friday and Holy Saturday.