A tetrapod made of alder with an Eucharistic Chalice and gilded openwork

“The cup carved from wood reminds us of the Cup from which God's people receive life”

The tetrapod is a place for the faithful to meet with the icon of the feast: they pray before it, approach it to venerate. This tetrapod is handcrafted from alder and decorated with gilding using gold leaf. The central panel is adorned with the Eucharistic Cup with a cross, framed by an openwork floral ornament, while the cornice is enveloped by carved grapevines. The gilded carvings are combined with a dark brown base and background planes, giving the piece depth and noble restraint.

Product Description

The facade of the tetrapod consists of openwork carved panels framed by profiled frames. The central panel features a relief image of the Cup with a cross, reminding us of the Eucharist as the heart of church life. The corners of the body are decorated with twisted columns with floral carvings, and the photo highlights silver reflections on the columns and vines, adding a play of light to the decoration.

The upper part has a flat platform 200 mm wide and a sloped side 700 mm long for placing icons. The dimensions of the product are 1400 x 900 x 900 mm. The dark brown base visually balances the rich golden carvings and gives the tetrapod a stable, solid appearance.

Who It's Suitable For and Who It's Not

Technical Specifications

Advantages of the Material

• Suitability for openwork carving. Alder has a fine, even texture, so thin piercing elements of the ornament come out clear and neat.
• Stability of the wood. Properly dried alder retains its geometry, which is important for large carved panels and frames.
• Good perception of toning. The wood evenly accepts toning and painting, so the dark brown planes look uniform.
• Depth of gilding. Gold leaf on the relief of the carving reflects the light of candles and lamps, highlighting every element of the ornament.

Workshop Traditions

The tetrapod is made by the masters of the creative workshop of sacred products PIVTORAK & COMPANY in the city of Kosiv, Ivano-Frankivsk region. Wood carving is one of the oldest craft traditions of the Kosiv region, and the workshop continues it in the creation of church vessels. Symbols on the products, such as the Cup with a cross or grapevines, are chosen not for decoration but according to their meaning in the liturgical life of the Church. Each panel, column, and element of the openwork is carved by hand.

Care

• Place the tetrapod away from radiators, heaters, and direct sunlight
• Avoid excessive humidity and sharp temperature fluctuations in the room
• Clean the gilded carvings only with a dry soft cloth or soft brush, without water and cleaning agents
• Dust can be most conveniently removed from the openwork holes and recesses with a soft brush
• Wipe toned wooden surfaces with a dry or slightly damp cloth, followed by drying
• Do not use abrasives, solvents, and aggressive household chemicals

“The carving born in the silence of the workshop becomes part of the prayer of the entire community”

📞 +380678018040
✉️ ivanvakh@gmail.com

The colors and shades of the wood and gilding in the photographs may differ slightly from the actual ones due to lighting conditions during shooting and the settings of your device's screen.