Treasure of Dadiani Palaces

Most importantly, those objects immortalize and glorify reign of monarchs and dominion of rulers. That’s why every powerful ruler tried to such treasure renovated, repaired, redecorated with jewels, and thus carve their own place in the history of the Christianity.

For this reason, old Georgian icons and church treasure are unique historical monuments and memorials; they tell a lot about many interesting events. With this exhibition we want to show you unique church treasure from Mingrelia, a historic province in the western part of Georgia; Those church and liturgical objects are precious works of art and each of them has unique, fascinating history.

Ilori Icon of Saint George was considered as the
relic of utmost importance in the Western part of Georgia. Since the 17th century, the Ilori Church has belonged to
Abkhazia, instead of Mingrelia, which means that it is located on a territory currently controlled by Russia. Ilori icon was
transferred to Zugdidi, in order to be safe from Ottoman Turks; Because Zugdidi
was capital of Mingrelian Province and it could be well preserved there.

There is a very interesting folk tale about Saint George and the “miracle-working” ox, which we can see at the right leg of Saint George. According to folk tale, the ox was slaughtered and distributed among parish, who believed that the meat would cure them. Pilgrims from Northern Caucasus visited this church frequently, in order to show gratitude to God.

This icon of Saint George is one of the oldest and most exquisite work of art. It’s a great sample of Georgian Goldsmithery. In the Christian world the tradition of carrying icons while taking part in the war was widely spread. For instance: Kaliman, Emperor of Bulgaria, Heraclius, Byzantine emperor, Giorgi Gurieli and many other monarchs carried the icons with them while fighting in the war. Its noteworthy that Saint George is holding the dagger and there are holy symbols of divine protection and luck. Levan II Dadiani,a ruler of the Principality of Mingrelia in western Georgia, participated in bloody battles quite often and its highly possible, that this icon belonged to him and protected him during his life, which was full of troubles.

The medallion, which depicts the face of the great martyr, is very interesting also. Despite being very small in size, it’s a rare, significant and precious sample. The medallion is movable, which means that it could be used while praying separately. Its frame is ornamented and after inserting the medallion in the icon, ornamented part is no longer visible. A crown of light rays surrounds the face of the Saint on the medallion.

On this Tsaishi Icon of Virgin Mary, holy mother is standing, holding Divine Infant in left hand and touching her heart with right hand. on the left side of Virgin Mary we see the image of Malakia Gurieli. According to Georgian Asomtavruli Inscription, he is Catholicos of Abkhazia, Malakia; Also, Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ in the middle and Saints.

Names of these saints are carved on their books: Saint Cosmas and Damian. On the upper right side of the icon Saint Peter is holding the keys of the gates of heaven.

The icon depicts only the upper body of Virgin
Mary. The nimbus is embellished with 23 precious gemstones of different colors and
sizes. Kufic inscriptions are visible on three gemstones, which is one
of the oldest styles of Arabic script, namely the seventh century, and it developed
from the Nabataens of Iraq alphabet in the city of Kufa, that’s why the name of script
is Kufic. 

The aforementioned precious stones were initially not intended for icons. They were donated by noblemen and used for decorating the icon later. That is how these stones with 'kufic' inscriptions were embedded in the icon decorations.

The Kortskheli Icon of Jesus Christ was made by the order of Levan II Dadiani. Only the upper part of the body is depicted on the icon; Jesus Christ is holding the Gospel and his blessing right hand is raised. Jesus Christ’s face is pictorial. Other Saints are visible around the central icon. There are two figures on the lower part of the frame and explanatory inscription says: “Blessed Queen Nestan-Darejan”; “Dadiani Levan, Nobleman” (Faces were pictorial, but they are not perceptible now).

You can see a golden necklace in the middle of the icon, above the head of Christ. It was embellished with several precious gemstones and belonged to Nestan-Darejan, wife of Levan Dadiani. The jewel was used to embellish her crown, but after her death, the ruler of Mingrelia donated it to the icon.