Virgin Mary of Kazan Orthodox Icon

Virgin Mary of Kazan Orthodox Icon is a hand-painted Kazan icon of the Mother of God with a bright, radiant appearance. The icon is painted on a flat board without kovcheg, covered across the surface with 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and decorated by hand with a fine lace-like floral pattern.

The most distinctive feature of this version is the light golden-ocher maforion of the Theotokos. Instead of the usual deep cherry or brown tones, the garment is painted in luminous warm colors and enriched with colored cold enamel details that imitate rubies, sapphires, and pearls.

The Kazan Icon and Its Miraculous Finding

The Kazan icon was found in 1579 after a terrible fire in Kazan. According to Orthodox tradition, the Mother of God appeared in a dream to the young girl Matrona and commanded her to uncover the hidden icon beneath the ashes of her burned home.

After the vision was repeated, Matrona and her mother dug in the indicated place and found the icon wrapped in old cloth. The image had not been harmed by the fire and shone with pure, fresh color.

During the first procession with the newly found icon, two blind men received their sight. Later, the Kazan icon became closely connected with the liberation of Moscow in 1612, when the faithful prayed before it during the Time of Troubles.

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 faces of the Theotokos and Christ are brought very close to the one who prays.

Christ is shown frontally, blessing with His right hand. His direct gaze and solemn gesture reveal Him as the eternal Word of God, full of wisdom and authority.

The stars on the maforion of the Theotokos point to her ever-virginity before, during, and after the Nativity of Christ.

Light-Bearing Color and Gold Ornament

This version of the icon features a light-bearing color palette. The maforion of the Mother of God is painted in golden-ocher tones, creating a joyful and festive impression.

The icon is made on a flat board without a recessed kovcheg. Because the surface is not divided by an inner step, the gold ornament can continue across the board and visually expand the space of the image.

The whole surface is covered with 23K gold leaf (960 purity) and worked by hand with fine chasing and tsirovka. The result is a lace-like floral relief that shimmers in changing light.

Enamel Detail and Prayerful Purpose

The garment border and stars are decorated with tiny colored cold enamel details in red, blue, and white. These glossy drops imitate precious stones and pearls while keeping the icon within the language of traditional Orthodox ornament.

The Kazan Mother of God is especially loved in prayer for marriage, family peace, protection of children, healing, and help in sorrow. This bright version is well suited as a wedding gift, baptism gift, or family relic.

Icon Characteristics

Materials and Care

The icon is painted with natural mineral egg tempera on a prepared linden board. Linen, chalk gesso, and oak splines are used according to traditional icon-board construction.

Because the icon has gold leaf, chasing, and enamel detail, it should not be washed, polished, or wiped with damp cloths. Dust may be removed only with a very soft dry brush, and a glazed kiot is recommended for long-term preservation.

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 Virgin Mary of Kazan Orthodox Icon?

It is a hand-painted Kazan icon of the Mother of God in the shoulder-length Hodegetria type, made for prayer, family blessing, and veneration.

What is unusual about this version?

The icon has a light golden-ocher maforion, a flat board without kovcheg, full 23K gold leaf (960 purity), lace-like chasing, and colored enamel detail.

Why is the maforion so light?

The light golden-ocher garment gives the icon a radiant, festive character and emphasizes the Theotokos as dwelling in divine light.

What does a flat board without kovcheg mean?

There is no recessed inner field; the continuous gold and ornament extend across the surface, making the image feel open and luminous.

What is chasing or tsirovka on gold?

It is a hand-worked engraved or pressed pattern made over gold leaf, giving the surface a delicate lace-like relief.

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 guidance in difficult choices.

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 linen, chalk gesso, oak splines, 23K gold leaf (960 purity), and cold enamel detail.

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.