Kokoshnik architecture

Kokoshnik is a semicircular or keel-like exterior decorative element in the Old Russian architecture, a type of corbel zakomara (that is an arch-like semicircular top of the church wall). Unlike zakomara that continues the curvature of the vault behind and carries a part of the vault's weight, kokoshnik is pure decoration and doesn't carry any weight. Kokoshnik shares its name with the traditional Russian headdress worn by women and girls. The word itself derives from the Old Slavic word kokosh, which refers to a hen or a cockerel.

Kokoshniks were used in the Russian church architecture from the 16th century, and they were especially popular in the 17th century. They were placed on walls, at the basement of tented roofs or tholobates, over the window frames, or in rows above the vaults.

Examples

• Donskoy convent (old photo 2).jpg

  The Smaller Cathedral of Donskoy Monastery with the three rows of large kokoshniks.

• Holy Trinity Church in Nikitniki 07.jpg

  The kokoshniks of the Holy Trinity Church in Nikitinki, Moscow

• Kolomna 04-2014 img38 Posadskaya.jpg

  The Church of St. Nicholas in Kolomna. Five rows of kokoshniks completely cover the vaults outside

• Moscow, Bolshaya Polyanka, St.Grigory closeup.jpg

  Kokoschniks on the Church of Saint Gregory of Neocaesarea in Polyanka

External links

• Kokoshnik (architecture) in the Great Soviet Encyclopedia (in Russian)

References

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