Why do we build Traditional Panel Orthodox Icons?
It was the Traditional Panel concept that was, in fact, the impetus for us opening an online Orthodox icon store in the first place. Our desire in this process was to create a reproduction icon that had the “feel” and sense of quality that one experiences when they hold an icon of antiquity or, for that matter, a newly painted icon from Russia today. Of course, we did not know how this product would be received and, to this end, we want to thank our customers sincerely for your overwhelming response to our signature product, the Traditional Panel Icon. Glory to God!
Photos of our Traditional Panel Icons
Photos of traditional panel icons made in Russia today
Photos of traditional panel icons from antiquity
How we make our Tradational Panel icons:
Our signature product, the traditional panel mounted icons, are made with the utmost care. We begin with carefully selected 4/4 solid poplar. Then we route dovetailed keyways through the reverse and insert the red oak splines. This process is to keep the panel from warping over time, the same process as used in hand painted icons throughout antiquity. We also route coves and chamfers on the splines themselves to create a decorative appeal, in the same fashion that is commonly used in Russia today.
We print our images on the lowest tooth market available canvas with natural pigment based inks. The prints are then sealed with the highest quality giclee canvas varnish, complete with UV inhibiting properties (will not fade). For our varnish we use a special mixture which brings out more color than a flat matte, yet still eliminates the glare commonly associated with gloss varnishes.
All our icons are sealed on face, backs, and sides. We sand out every icon glass smooth to ensure that our customers not only see, but feel the quality of our product.
There are over 25 individual processes which go into every traditional panel icon, each preformed by hand.
Read what our customers say about the Traditional Panel icons:
“Your icons arrived today and are magnificent! In fact your icons are by far the finest I have ever purchased. You clearly spend a lot of time selecting quality images, and the care and attention with which you then reproduce them is striking. Add to that the extraordinary level of craftsmanship that you bring to building the panels and perfecting the mountings, and in total, you’ve produced icons that truly feel alive with presence. In my opinion these are the finest icons on the market.” David D.
“This is my first purchase from this company and i can say without reservation this is the finest icon I have! The craftsmanship is exquisite, the construction, the colors, I am so glad to have found your company. You have a customer for life! John D.
“This was my first purchase from OCS, it will not be my last. The icon craftsmanship was perfect. The quality of the traditional panel is the nicest icon that I have. A beautiful offering of this particular icon indeed. I can tell that real attention was paid to the final result. Highly recommended.” Michael K.
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