The Art Palace of Georgia – Museum of Cultural Historyextends its sincere gratitude to the renowned Georgian journalist and scholar of performing arts based in the United States, Ms. Nana Ghonghadze, for the exceptional gift she has donated to the museum.

Ms. Ghonghadze presented the museum with a painting by Otar Shiukashvili - “Pomegranates on a Tray.”

Otar Shiukashvili (1921–1995) was an émigré Georgian artist. In December 1986, the prominent Washington-based magazine “The World and I”dedicated a substantial portion of its publication to his artistic work. During the same period, his solo exhibition was held, followed by another personal exhibition in Taiwan in January 1987.

Even prior to his emigration, many of Shiukashvili’s works were acquired by museums in Moscow, Leningrad, and Volgograd. He later gained significant popularity among American and European collectors, and his paintings were obediently sold at auctions. Private collectors, major banks and offices also purchased his works.

According to available information, until now only one of the artist’s paintings had been preserved in Georgia: a portrait of his daughter Lali (from his first marriage), which he donated to a museum in Tbilisi.

It is also worth recalling that in 1926, George Matchabelli, together with his friends, founded the renowned perfume company Prince Matchabelli Perfume Company. The company’s first employees were Matchabelli’s friends—aristocrats in exile like himself—as well as their wives and daughters. Initially, perfume bottles were made from German faience; later, transparent glass bottles were produced by the glass company of George Koby (Grigol Kobakhidze) using semi-automated methods. However, the gilding, gold-toned varnish, and decorative cords were crafted entirely by hand. Before long, George Matchabelli’s iconic crown design became widely known throughout the United States.

One such crown has now become part of the Art Palace’s collection.

Once again, the museum administration expresses its heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Nana Ghonghadze for this deeply patriotic and generous present.