A Gothic Cathedral (Wonder Matches & Miracle Beads) (2013) Design by Anatolii Zhamoido

Title: A Gothic Cathedral (Wonder Matches & Miracle Beads)
Series: God in the Palm of the Hand
Artists: Zhamoido Anatolii & Bulba Natalia
Year of Creation: 2013
Object: 160 ×160 × 120 mm (height)
• Packaging: 173 ×193 × 182 mm (height)
• Weight: 0.962 kg
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Materials:
Medium:
• Eternity
• Matches
• Glue
• Toothpicks
Beads:
• Japanese beads (Toho brand)
• Czech beads (Preciosa Ornela brand)
• Wooden beads
• Microbeads
Crystals and Pearls:
• Swarovski beads
• Japanese beads
• Beads from other brands
Rhinestones and Decorative Elements:
• Adhesive Swarovski rhinestones
• Adhesive rhinestones (other brands)
• Needles
• Sequins
• Self-adhesive film
Additional Materials:
• Silver and gold wire
• Computer graphics
Packaging:
Protective display case made of acrylic glass


A Gothic Cathedral (Wonder Matches & Miracle Beads) is a handcrafted miniature sculpture blending sacred architecture with poetic materiality. Built primarily from matches and adorned with over a thousand decorative elements — including Czech and Japanese beads, Swarovski crystals, sequins, and fine wire — the work evokes the celestial light and ornate mystery of Gothic cathedrals.
Unlike traditional models, this reinterpretation is infused with fantasy and luminous joy. Inspired by the verticality of European Gothic and romantic neo-Gothic stylization, its silhouette radiates symbolic harmony and inner glow. The architecture itself is heightened through computer graphics and delicate landscaping made of wire-threaded microbeads and faceted gems.
The handcrafted trees and glistening facade invite the viewer into a sacred space that glows with inner light — a testament to the divine presence not in stone alone, but in spirit and imagination.
Part of the series God in the Palm of the Hand, this sculpture transforms humble materials into a sacred microcosm — where faith becomes form, and miniature becomes monumental.
Ideal for museum exhibitions, private collections, or art grants focusing on sacred art, miniature architecture, or interfaith artistic expression.
Originally developed as part of an educational project in the form of books and creativity kit published in Ukraine and RF (before the war), this version of the artwork represents a full realization of the concept. Its creation took approximately 3–4 weeks of full-time work. The object stands as both an artifact and an invitation: to rediscover wonder in the smallest materials and the slowest gestures.
A step-by-step illustrated guide to creating the matchstick Cathedral and beaded (in the 2009 version) trees is available as a PDF and can be ordered directly from the author.
The guide is offered in Ukrainian or Russian (and can be easily translated into your preferred language — for example, by ChatGPT).
Price: €5.

Not of marble or stone — but of ashes, of time, and of wonder.
A matchstick recalls the Apocalypse, Judgment, and thunder.
Beads are like stars. And their glimmer — the silence divine,
You build not a temple, but paths for the soul to resign.

Each pin is an arrow, each stained glass — a window to ether,
When all else has vanished, light takes on form without letter.
The beads softly chime, like water between peace and remorse.
And you sit in the dark, holding Chaos at bay with strange force…

For Gothic is when architecture kneels in insistent prayer
For those who will never confess their belief in the air.
This is no temple — it’s conscience, on solemn display.
It is faith that awaits your proposal in quiet delay.


Не з мармуру й каменю, — з попелу часу і див.
Сірник, ніби згадка про Апокаліпсис і Страшні суди.
Бісер — як зірка. А блиск — це мовчання богів.
Ти будуєш не храм, а маршрут для душі в Нікуди.
Тут кожна шпилька — стріла, і вітраж — мов вікно в етер.
Коли не лишилось нічого, є форма світла, де немає літер.
Бісер бринить, мов вода на стику сумління і спокою.
А ти сидиш і долаєш темряву Хаосу Силою бозна-якою…
Бо Готика — це коли архітектура молиться вперто
за тих, хто ніколи Молитви не вимовить вголос відверто.
Це не храм — це сумління, виставлене на експозицію.
Це — віра, що щиро чекає на твою пропозицію.

Латинська версія (мовою храмової поезії)

Non ex marmore factus, nec saxo —
Sed ex cineribus temporis et miraculo.
Sulphur et luciferum — Apocalypsis memoria,
Iudicium ultimum, et silentium deorum.

Sicut stella micat granum,
Et fulgor — vox tacita divinitatis.
Non templum struis, sed viam
Animæ ad Nihilum.

Unaquaeque acus — sagitta.
Vitrum pictum — fenestra in aethera.
Cum nihil manet, manet lux
Formam sine litteris induens.

Sonant granula ut aqua
In fine conscientiae et pacis.
Et tu sedes, vigilans
Noctem penetrans ignota virtute.

Gothicum est: orat structura ipsa
Pro iis qui nunquam orabunt.
Non templum hoc est — sed conscientia nuda,
Et fides, quæ expectat vocem tuam.

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