Kazan Holy Mary Orthodox Icon

Kazan Holy Mary Orthodox Icon is a hand-painted Kazan icon of the Mother of God made as a solemn gold-covered family shrine. The entire front of the icon, including the kovcheg and wide margins, is covered with genuine 23K gold leaf (960 purity) and decorated by hand with a fine lace-like relief pattern.

This hand-painted icon is a festive, high-status wedding or family gift. Its character comes from the contrast between the rich gold surface, pearl-like enamel around the halos, deep cherry-brown garments, and soft, prayerful faces painted in mineral egg tempera.

The Kazan Icon in Orthodox Memory

The Kazan icon was found in 1579 after a great fire in Kazan. According to Orthodox tradition, the Mother of God appeared in a dream to the young girl Matrona and showed her where the icon lay hidden beneath the ashes.

When the icon was uncovered, it was unharmed by the fire and shone with fresh colors. During the first procession with the image, two blind men received their sight, and the Kazan icon became closely connected with prayer for healing of both bodily and spiritual blindness.

In 1612, a copy of the Kazan icon accompanied the militia of Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. After fasting and prayer before the icon, Moscow was liberated during the Time of Troubles. This history gives the Kazan image its meaning of protection, courage, and hope in danger.

Shoulder-Length Hodegetria

The Kazan icon belongs to the Hodegetria type, but in a shortened shoulder-length form. The hands of the Mother of God are not visible, so the viewer’s attention rests on the faces and the blessing hand of Christ.

Christ is shown frontally, with His right hand raised in a two-fingered blessing. His direct gaze reveals Him not merely as a child, but as the eternal Word of God, Creator and Judge of the world.

The stars on the forehead and shoulder of the Theotokos are symbols of her ever-virginity before, during, and after the Nativity of Christ.

Lace-Like Chasing on 960 Gold Leaf

The main artistic feature of this icon is the continuous gold surface. The whole front side is gilded with 23K gold leaf (960 purity), then worked by hand with metal tools to form a delicate floral lace pattern.

This chasing and tsirovka create the impression of a precious basma-style cover, while the icon remains a fully hand-painted image. In candlelight, the relief catches the light and gives the gold surface depth and movement.

The halos are additionally outlined with small white enamel dots, imitating a fine pearl strand. The garments are painted in deep classic cherry-brown tones and enriched with gold assist.

Prayer, Wedding, and Family Use

The Kazan Mother of God is one of the most familiar Orthodox icons for family prayer. It is traditionally used for blessing marriage and is often paired with an icon of Christ for a wedding icon pair.

The faithful pray before this icon for peace between spouses, protection of the home, health and guidance of children, healing from illness, and support in grief or difficult decisions.

Because of its rich gold work and formal appearance, this version is especially suitable as a wedding gift, anniversary gift, or family relic intended to become the spiritual center of a home.

Icon Characteristics

Materials and Care

The icon is painted on a linden board prepared with linen and chalk gesso. Oak splines are inserted into the back of the board to help protect the wood from bending and cracking.

The painting is made with mineral egg tempera, and the gilded surface uses genuine 23K gold leaf (960 purity). Because the icon has chased gold and enamel details, it should not be washed, polished, or wiped with damp cloths. Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush.

Ordering, Shipping, and Payment

The icon is available in several sizes. Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.

Questions and Answers

What is the Kazan Holy Mary Orthodox Icon?

It is a hand-painted Kazan icon of the Mother of God, a beloved Orthodox image for family prayer, wedding blessing, healing, and protection.

What is special about the gold decoration?

The whole front surface, including the kovcheg and the wide margins, is covered with 23K gold leaf (960 purity) and worked with fine lace-like chasing.

What is tsirovka on an icon?

Tsirovka is hand engraving or tooling over gold leaf, creating a delicate relief pattern that catches and reflects light.

What do the pearl-like dots around the halos represent?

They are painted with white cold enamel to imitate a fine strand of small pearls around the halos.

Why is the Kazan icon connected with weddings?

In Orthodox tradition, the Kazan Mother of God is often used to bless the bride and is part of a wedding icon pair with an icon of Christ.

What do Orthodox Christians pray for before this icon?

They pray for marriage, peace in the family, protection of children, healing, help in sorrow, and protection of the home.

What sizes are available?

Available sizes are 17×21 cm (6.7×8.3 in), 20×24 cm (7.9×9.4 in), 27×31 cm (10.6×12.2 in), and 30×40 cm (11.8×15.7 in).

What materials are used?

The icon is painted with natural mineral egg tempera on a linden board with kovcheg, linen, chalk gesso, oak splines, and 23K gold leaf (960 purity).

How should this icon be cared for?

Do not wash, polish, or wipe the gilded and chased surface with damp cloths. Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush.

How are shipping and payment arranged?

Free international shipping is included, with payment after delivery.