Pomada (Pomade)

(M. Larionov) A. Kruchenykh
Kuzmin and Dolinsky, Moscow, 1913. Edition: 480.

Cover and illustrations by Larionov include neo-primitivist and rayonist works. Text is mimeographed from handwriting by Kruchenykh. This particular copy is one of 25 in which the lithographs were hand-colored by Larionov.

One of the best of the six publications produced by the brief collaboration between Kruchenykh, Larionov, and Goncharova, Pomada is equally significant for its art and text. The publication through which the world was first introduced to zaum - a language " whose words do not have a definite meaning, "Pomada features the poem "dyr bul shchyl," Kruchenykh's own personal favorite, and two other early pieces. Typographical innovations include the constant alternation of letter forms in print and cursive. Graphic features include a red shiny hand-cut cover, onto which the title and cover illustration are attached with glue, and full-page illustrations, which are mounted on gold-leaf paper.
(Howard Schickler)

Photos thanks to Howard Schickler Fine Art, where you can find Russian books of this period.

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