latiflora:

Technicolor spilled blood (by Matthew S.)

pro-patria-mori:

Something to brighten up your Saturday night.

(Source: unsubstantiatedrumors, via preusterreich)

kaiserbund:

the-seed-of-europe:

Russian female snipers.

Women played an incredibly significant role in the Soviet war effort during WWII. Initially, in 1941, the thousands of women who volunteered to enlist were turned away or relegated to industry work on the home front or medical service. However, the significant losses to the Germans and the women’s persistence paid off, and the Soviet Union was soon recruiting women as pilots (including the world’s only two female fighter aces, Lydia Litvyak and Katya Budanova), snipers, machine gunners, tank crew members and partisans, medics, communication personnel, political officers, as well as in the auxiliary corps. About 800,000 women served in the Russian army during WWII. Around 200,000 were decorated and 89 received the highest ranking award, the Hero of the Soviet Union. 

Also, Night Witches.

(via red-roman)

ornamentedbeing:

I adore Russian costume.

The Met says: Headdresses, or kokoshniks had the greatest abundance of ornamentation of any type of garment in Russia. They were most often made of damask woven with gilt metallic threads or velvet with gold embroidery. The wealthy peasant class often decorated their kokoshniks with pearls and gemstones. The headdresses worn by maidens exposed their hair, considered a prize possession in Russian culture. They were often accompanied by a venchik, a forehead covering made of fabric or metal. Married women were required to cover their hair entirely lest they be considered immodest. This example was collected in the province of Vladimir, but similar examples are also seen from Nizhny Novgorod. The striking contrast between the blue silk ground and gold embroidery further enhances this grand headdress. Additional visual interest is created by the colored foil accents on the back, giving the appearance of semi-precious stones.

lostsplendor:

Teacup created for the 250th anniversary of the Romanov Dynasty. Made by The Imperial Porcelain Factory. 1862.

theoriginaljoefisher:

Best Facebook Exchange Ever

(via kawaiimon)

avanishedtime:

edwardianera:

Grand Duchess Anastasia knitting in her mother’s boudoir. Courtesy: Beinecke Library.