Baku Old City (Icherisheher) Souvenir Plaque
Decorative art, specifically a relief plaque/souvenir • Mass-produced artisan workshop in Azerbaijan; anonymous commercial manufacturer
Style & Movement
Contemporary Tourist Art / Folk-inspired Architectural Relief
Medium & Technique
Cast resin or cold-cast ceramic with a faux-antique wash/patina; produced using a mold and finished with wipe-on dark pigments to highlight recessed details
Creation Period
Late 20th to early 21st century (c. 1990s - present)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 10-15 cm in diameter; circular (tondo) relief format
Subject Description
A miniature cityscape of the Old City (Icherisheher) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Features prominent landmarks including the Maiden Tower (Qiz Qalasi) and various minarets and domed buildings. Inscribed with 'BAKU' in Latin script and 'БАКЫ' (Bakı) in Cyrillic/Azerbaijani at the top.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; showing minor surface wear and dust in crevices consistent with household display
Estimated Market Value
$5 - $20 USD
Auction Estimate
$10 - $30 USD (typically sold in thrift or charity auctions rather than fine art auctions)
Provenance History
Likely purchased as a travel memento from a souvenir stall in Baku, Azerbaijan, and subsequently entered a private collection
Art Historical Significance
Low art historical significance; functions as a cultural artifact representing the post-Soviet tourism industry in the Caucasus and the branding of national heritage sites
Notable Features
Features bilingual inscriptions; utilizes a high-relief technique to exaggerate the verticality of the Maiden Tower and minarets
Condition Issues
Minor accumulation of dust, potential slight yellowing of the resin due to UV exposure, and typical mold-line imperfections
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle dry dusting with a soft brush; avoid harsh chemicals or submerged cleaning which may strip the dark patina highlight