Hand-Painted Icon of the Kazan Mother of God

Hand-Painted Icon of the Kazan Mother of God is a traditional Orthodox image of the Theotokos, venerated as a sign of maternal intercession, family blessing, protection of children, and spiritual help in difficult circumstances.

The Kazan image, found in Kazan in the sixteenth century, became a spiritual support for generations of Orthodox faithful. In home prayer, it is especially loved as an icon of peace in the family, care for children, wedding blessing, and consolation in sorrow.

This hand-painted icon is made in the Mstyora tradition on a linden board with inset oak braces and a traditional kovcheg. It is prepared with linen pavoloka and polished chalk levkas, painted with egg tempera on egg yolk, gilded with 23K gold leaf, and protected with varnish.

What This Kazan Icon Shows

On the presented icon, the Most Holy Theotokos is shown with the Christ Child in the Kazan version of Hodegetria. The Mother of God wears a dark cherry maphorion with gold edging and stars on the forehead and shoulders, symbols of her ever-virginity before, during, and after the Nativity of Christ.

The Christ Child is clothed in golden-orange garments and blesses the faithful with His right hand. The faces are turned toward one another, creating a feeling of tenderness and closeness between Mother and Son.

The face painting is soft in the manner associated with the Mstyora school: warm ocher tones, fine light reflections, calm expression, and a merciful gaze. The halos are gilded with genuine 23K gold leaf, and the light golden background gives the whole composition a sense of heavenly peace.

The inscriptions are written in Church Slavonic lettering: “MP OU” for the Mother of God, “IC XC” for Jesus Christ, and “Kazan” as the identification of the iconographic type.

History and Meaning of the Kazan Image

The Kazan Icon of the Mother of God was discovered in 1579 in Kazan after a vision given to a young girl named Matrona. The icon was found in the earth among the ashes after a fire, and from the first days it was associated with many accounts of healing and prayerful help.

During the Time of Troubles, a copy of the Kazan icon inspired the Russian militia during the liberation of Moscow. In memory of this event, the feast of the Kazan Icon is celebrated on November 4, or October 22 according to the old calendar. The icon is also commemorated on July 21, in memory of its discovery.

In Orthodox tradition, the Kazan icon is venerated as a protectress of the faithful, a helper in sorrow, a patroness of families and children, and one of the central images for a home icon corner.

Prayer Traditions

Before the Kazan icon, the faithful read prayers, the troparion and kontakion of the feast, and the akathist to the Kazan Mother of God. On the feast days, molebens and canons are often served before the image.

In family prayer, the Kazan icon is especially venerated as an image of protection for children. Parents pray before it for health, success in study, protection from danger, and spiritual growth. Traditionally, children may be blessed before important moments in life with this icon.

When This Icon Is Especially Appropriate

• For newlyweds: as a wedding blessing and prayer for family life and the birth of children.
• For young families: as a central image for a home icon corner and family prayer.
• For parents: in prayer for the health, protection, and spiritual growth of children.
• For eye illness: the Kazan icon is traditionally venerated in prayers for healing of sight.
• In difficult times: as an image of intercession, protection, and consolation in sorrow.
• For churches and chapels: as one of the principal Marian icons for permanent veneration.

Materials and Hand-Painting Technique

Each Kazan icon is painted by hand using traditional materials. The base is a linden board with inset oak braces, chosen for strength and stability. A traditional kovcheg is formed on the front, marking the sacred space of the image.

Linen pavoloka is applied to the board, followed by multi-layer chalk levkas. After careful polishing, this creates a smooth and stable ground for tempera painting.

The image is painted with tempera on egg yolk, using layered modeling for the faces and careful work on the garments, stars, and ornamental details. The halos and selected details are gilded with genuine 23K gold leaf.

Depending on the chosen execution, the icon may include richer gilding, tooled halos, individual field ornament, a custom inscription on the back, or a matching wooden kiot.

Available Sizes and Placement

This icon can be ordered in several formats, from a small home icon to a larger church or family image.

• 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in): compact size for a small home icon corner, travel iconostasis, or personal gift.
• 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in): convenient home size for a shelf, bedroom, or child’s room.
• 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in): classic family size, suitable for a home icon corner or wedding blessing.
• 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in): larger solemn format for a central home icon, chapel, or church space.
• Custom formats: larger church and iconostasis sizes may be discussed before painting.

In the home, the Kazan icon may be placed in an icon corner, prayer room, bedroom, living room, or child’s room. It should be kept away from direct sunlight, moisture, overheating, and sudden temperature changes. A wooden kiot with glass gives the best long-term protection for the gilding and painted surface.

Icon Characteristics

Name	Hand-Painted Icon of the Kazan Mother of God
Traditional title	Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Our Lady of Kazan
Iconographic type	Hodegetria, Kazan version
Main meaning	Maternal intercession, family blessing, protection of children, and consolation
Board	Linden wood board with inset oak braces and kovcheg
Preparation	Linen pavoloka and polished chalk levkas
Painting	Egg tempera on egg yolk
Gold	23K gold leaf on halos and selected details
Visual details	Dark cherry maphorion, golden-orange garments of Christ, luminous gold background, Slavonic inscriptions
Available sizes	17×21 cm, 20×24 cm, 27×31 cm, 30×40 cm, and custom formats
Purpose	Home icon corner, wedding blessing, gift for parents or children, chapel, and church use
Shipping	Free international shipping is included; payment is due upon delivery.

Questions and Answers

What does the Kazan Mother of God icon mean?

The Kazan Mother of God is one of the most venerated Orthodox icons of the Theotokos. The faithful pray before it for intercession, family protection, help for children, peace in the home, and strengthening in faith.

What is shown on this hand-painted Kazan icon?

The Mother of God is shown with the Christ Child in the Kazan version of Hodegetria. She wears a dark cherry maphorion with gold edging, while Christ is clothed in golden-orange garments and blesses with His right hand.

When is the Kazan Icon commemorated?

The Kazan Icon is commemorated on July 21, in memory of its discovery in 1579, and on November 4, connected with the deliverance of Moscow in 1612.

Is this icon suitable for a wedding blessing?

Yes. The Kazan Mother of God is traditionally used for blessing a family and is often given to newlyweds as an image of maternal protection, peace, love, and spiritual care.

Where can this icon be placed in the home?

It can be placed in a home icon corner, prayer room, bedroom, living room, or child’s room. Choose a clean, calm place away from direct sun, moisture, and strong heat.

What materials are used for this icon?

The icon is made on a linden board with inset oak braces and kovcheg, linen pavoloka, polished chalk levkas, egg tempera on egg yolk, 23K gold leaf, and protective varnish.

What sizes are available?

Available sizes are 17×21 cm, 20×24 cm, 27×31 cm, and 30×40 cm. Larger church or iconostasis formats may also be discussed before painting.

How is a hand-painted icon different from a printed reproduction?

A hand-painted icon is created individually by an icon painter, with living brushwork, layered faces, painted garments, gilded details, and a prayerful character that a printed reproduction cannot reproduce.

How should the Kazan icon be cared for?

Keep the icon away from direct sunlight, moisture, overheating, and sudden temperature changes. Dust it with a soft dry cloth or brush, without water, household chemicals, or abrasive cleaners.

Is free international shipping included?

Yes. Free international shipping is included; payment is due upon delivery. The icon is painted to order and packed carefully after completion.