Kyoto is not just an icon decoration. It has an ancient history and carries a semantic and functional load. Even in ancient times, representatives of different religions used icon cases to store all kinds of relics and scrolls. They protected objects from dust and moisture, thereby prolonging their life. Today, the icon case is a frame of icons that can be seen in the church church. A special atmosphere is created inside it, which prevents any negative impact of the environment on the sacred image. In addition, with one glance at such a handicraft masterpiece as an icon case, respect awakens not only for religion, but also for a person’s skillful hands, his ingenuity, skill, imagination and spirituality.
Types of cases
Kyoto can be wall or floor. It depends on where the icon is located. As a rule, in most churches you can see portable cases or, as they are also called, lockers in the form of pencil cases or boxes, which are designed to store holiday icons on the central lectern. They can be fully closed or open.
Often, in addition to framing, glass is used. This icon case is intended for especially valuable images. The icon case can be quite simple, without glass and all kinds of decorations. But in churches, as a rule, there are beautiful icon cases richly decorated with carvings. The style of the temple, the appropriateness of decorating a specific sacred image, as well as its location, determine how the locker for the icon will be decorated.
What should be the correct icon case?
To make a high-quality and durable frame for an icon, you need to know several important nuances. The most important thing is the space between the glass and the image, which should remain after the icon is inserted into the icon case. It should be two or three centimeters. To fix the icon inside the icon case, use wooden blocks, corrugated cardboard or thick paper.
Kyoto is also the protection of the icon. Therefore, to preserve the holy face for many years they use glass, not plastic. The latter bends over time, which negatively affects the state of the image. In addition, harmful bacteria and mold develop under the plastic, which destroy paint.
What you need to know to make a case at home?
The icon case can be made at home. It is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. To do this, stock up on wooden boards, carpentry tools, glass and fittings. It is also necessary to purchase stain, varnish and paint. First of all, it is necessary to determine for which icon the icon case will be made, and where it will be installed. The lighting of the location of the icon case should also be taken into account. Based on all this, it is necessary to choose a future color shade to frame the image. You also need to clarify exactly what the deity will be, floor or table. Another important point is the number of images that will be placed in the icon case.
The first stage of the manufacture of kiot
To make a case with your own hands, you need to measure the dimensions of the icon. Next, you need to properly design the icon case: make a drawing and put down the dimensions. After that, you can start drawing a sketch of decorative elements. The best tree for making the deity is considered pine or linden. For the frame of the case, you can use pine, and for decorative elements of the thread - linden. Home-made icon cases can be made from birch, ash or fruit trees.
Between the icon itself and the glass casement there should remain an air gap, which is equal to the sum of the thickness of the icon board and the protruding part of the keys. The main thing is that this value should be at least two centimeters. The keys should not rest against the walls of the icon case. Between the edge of the dowel and the wall of the deity usually leave a gap of one centimeter.
Second phase
When making such an ornament as an icon case with your own hands, you must take into account the bending of the warped board from which the image is made. In the inner frame of the wooden deity, a curved cutout should be made for this bend. The stock should be up to two centimeters. Next, inside the wooden cabinet, you need to stick a velvet strip. After all, the holy face should not come into contact with the icon case. Otherwise, the icon board may jam.
After these manipulations, it is necessary to fix the icon in the icon case. This is done using small wooden blocks or thick cardboard inserts. At this point, you can insert glass. The next step is to cover the icon case with a stain, and then a layer of varnish or paint. Done. Hardware can be installed. It should not be forgotten that the icon case is not only an ornament for an icon. He protects the holy image, which should be treated with due respect. By making a case, you can protect a valuable icon not only materially but also spiritually from the adverse effects of the environment.