Kremlin gems on display at Prague Castle

Prague, Dec 2 (CTK) - Unique strictly guarded items from the collections of Moscow's Kremlin have arrived at Prague Castle where they will be displayed at an exhibition to be inaugurated by President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday, December 8, the Czech Presidential Office told CTK Friday.

The display, to feature some 150 artifacts illustrating life of Russian tzars as well as ordinary people in the 16th and 17th centuries, will be opened to public from Monday, December 12.

The exhibition in the Imperial Stables will last until March 4, 2012.

Agreement on the exhibition was reached by Medvedev and Czech President Vaclav Klaus during his visit to Russia last year.

Complex negotiations about the legal securing of the collections preceded the exhibition.

Russia that had formerly problems with loans of artifacts abroad over property disputes wanted to make sure that nothing like this can happen in the Czech Republic.

That is why the Czech government amended the heritage law that stipulates that artifacts foreign countries loan for display in the Czech Republic may not be confiscated.

The Czech Culture Ministry says the amendment clearly guarantees to Russia that there is no risk of disputes arising over the loaned items.

The exhibition will for the first time present a selection of the most valuable objects and artifacts from the Kremlin treasury.

More than 150 exhibits include jewellery, icons and personal effects of Russian tzars and princes.

The exhibition describes the status and position of Russian sovereigns, among whom the Romanov dynasty is the embodiment of the rulers' influence and wealth.

Exhibits such as ear-rings, shoes and clothes represent the royal court's everyday life. Icons recall the Orthodox Church's role in Russian history, while other exhibits will acquaint the visitors with Russia's history and power symbols such as scepters and a golden chain with prayers engraved in it.

Also on display will be exhibits linked to court ceremonies, including presents that Russian tzars received from foreign envoys.