Beka Opizari

Beka Opizari, 12th century, second half–early 13th century, goldsmith. He is believed to have originated from Opiza (in Klarjeti). Only two of Beka Opizari’s works survived to this day—the frame of the Icon of Ancha and the gilded cover of the Gospel of Tskarostavi.

On one side of the cover of the Tskarostavi Gospel, there is a composition of "offerings" in silver embossing (20 cm × 17 cm), and on the other side, the "Crucifixion." The figures and plant ornaments at the corners are depicted in high relief on a smooth background. At the top and the bottom of the throne where Christ is seated, there are inscribed Asomtavruli letters in a framed relief. According to these inscriptions, the Gospel of Tskarostavi was commissioned by the bishop of Tbeti, Ioane Mtbevari. According to one of the manuscript's notes, this Gospel was copied in 1195.

The famous gilded silver frame of the Icon of Ancha was crafted by the order of King Tamar and at the request of the bishop of Ancha, hymnographer Ioane Anchel-Rkinaeli. The middle of the frame’s right and left decorative borders feature high-relief full figures of the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist, their figures slightly curved and elongated. The upper corners feature Archangels Michael and Gabriel. The lower part features images of the apostles Peter and Paul (at the corners) and John the Evangelist.

Beka Opizari's carving technique and the highly artistic depiction of the figures indicate the high level of professional skill. His works reflect the high quality of Georgian goldsmithing when decorative trends became particularly important.

Literature: ა მ ი რ ა ნ ა შ ვ ი ლ ი  შ., ბექა ოპიზარი, თბ., 1956; ბერიძე ვ., ძველი ქართველი ოსტატები, თბ., 1967; Ч у б и н а ш в и л и  Г. Н., Грузинское чеканное искусство, Тб., 1959.

V. Beridze