Heavenly Gates and Tsarist Gates

Hand-cast brass, high-polish finish, single-atelier execution

These gates were conceived as a sculptural interpretation of historical ecclesiastical forms. Each element was cast in brass using a fully manual process carried out within a single atelier. The surfaces were shaped, refined and polished to achieve a continuous reflective plane that emphasizes the geometry and depth of the relief.

The project draws from 19th‑century metalworking and goldsmith traditions. The ornamental structure, transitions and carved motifs were resolved through repeated cycles of modelling and manual correction. The intention was to preserve the clarity of the historical reference while allowing the gates to function as a contemporary sculptural object.

The form is built around vertical symmetry and controlled ornamentation. The reliefs were shaped to maintain legibility from multiple viewpoints, and the polished brass introduces a tonal contrast that shifts with the surrounding light. The work references the gates of the Orthodox church in Grabarka, interpreted here through the discipline of hand-cast metal.

The entire piece was executed from start to finish in the Kostylo Atelier, where casting, finishing and assembly were carried out as a unified process. The result is a single-origin object that merges historical vocabulary with contemporary craftsmanship.