About
At Orthodox Christian Supply our aim is simple, to build Orthodox icons that last generations. Our business began with an idea of how to make a reproduction icon which would have a similar look and feel to those icons belonging to antiquity or, for that matter, hand painted icons coming out of Russia today. To this end, we realized that there were better ways to build reproduction icons, both in style and in ability to last. From this premise we devised two different panel styles:
The Traditional Panel Icon
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.
The Classic Panel Icon
The "classic panel" icons are our answer to the standard style of icon being built today. We, however, have set aside all inferior materials and have approached the design keeping in mind historical precedence. The panel itself is solid poplar and the splines (red oak) are inserted in the top and bottom (as opposed to the back) as was popular in 19th century Russian panel construction. The overall thickness of these icons are kept to 1”, the sides are painted red and the back is sealed. Aside from the panel itself, all elements are the same as used in our well know signature product, the traditional panel icon.
Icon Production
All classic and traditional panel icons are produced by Damascene Gallery.
Our Guarantee
Our mounted icons are built to last and to be handed down from generation to generation. Every process has been approached with the aim to guarantee our icons in the excess of 100 years. We build heirloom quality reproduction icons.
Our aim is simple - to provide quality mounted icons that, by God's great mercy, may be an aid and a blessing to the faithful in the spiritual life.
Icon Dimensions
All mounted icons are measured by the longest dimension. The second dimension varies according to print choice.
In general we list our icons at what we feel to be the highest quality printable size. This being said, it is often the case that we can print icons larger than they are listed on the website. On the one hand we try to play it safe, on the other it has been our experience that sizes larger than those listed print with no real loss to image resolution. If you have a need for a larger size just let us know - we will work with the image and see what other options are avalible. Of course this also applies to smaller images. We have chosen to keep the smallest size at 9" for our general "add to cart" option. If you do, however, need smaller sizes just let us know as we commonly build smaller icons in the "classic" panel style.
Lead Time
Please note that all our icons are made to order. There many steps involved in the production of our icons; panel construction, printing, and drying times all contribute to us having about a one week lead time before your icon is ready. Due to extremely busy times of the year this lead time can be extended. Please know that we work as hard as we can to insure that your purchase is completed in the most timely manner possible. If you do have a rush on your order please let us know at the time of order as in many cases we can reach deadlines when your purchase is time sensitive.
Wholesale Discounts
We offer discounts to church bookstores and retail markets which are interested in carrying our icons. You may Emil us to discuss details and discount percentages.