-
Matryoshka Dolls
Wooden matryoshka nesting dolls are the ultimate traditional Russian souvenirs. Over the years, they acquired many names, including babushka, stacking dolls, and many of their spelling variations. First created in 1890 by a Russian craftsman, matryoshka dolls were subsequently made primarily in Sergiyev Posad, Semyonov, and Polkhovsky Maidan giving city names to the respective styles. Dawn of the Soviet Union proved to be a fertile ground for talented artists testing out new designs. As a result, nesting dolls featuring communist leaders appeared on the market. That would later include political figures of the new Russian state and members of the Imperial family. Nowadays, design variations are endless. Here you will find classic style options, animals, cartoon characters, religious motifs, and country leaders. Price of a set is determined by complexity of artwork and number of pieces, which range from just 3 up to 30. Treat yourself to an authentic hand made product or buy as truly original gifts for family and friends.
-
Tiny Works of Art
Smaller items of Russian handicraft include brooches, hair barrettes, keychains, and magnets. Perfect small souvenirs for family and friends.
-
Decorative Eggs
In Russian culture, eggs are an important symbol of Easter symbolizing new life and revival. In Eastern Europe, custom of dying Easter eggs red - representing the blood of Christ - has been observed throughout centuries. Egg decoration took the form of one-color krashanky to more complex Ukrainian pysanky designed with the use of beeswax. From 1885 to 1917 the tradition was taken to its extreme. House of Fabergé made a series of jeweled eggs commissioned by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. These were made with use of gold, silver, crystal glass, precious wood, and enamel. Nowadays, affordable replicas are available to anyone wishing to approach the Imperial lifestyle.
-
Music Boxes
Saint Basil's Cathedral replica music boxes playing popular Russian tunes (such as the Moscow Nights) will bring great memories of a past trip to the capital. Among other options are sights of Saint Petersburg, Gzhel, Khokhloma, and fairy tales. Decorative Russian musical instruments, such as the traditional balalaika and gusli, are also available.
-
Khokhloma
Khokhloma is one of the most recognizable Russian patterns. Also spelled as hohloma, it is a style of wood painting characterized by floral themes that incorporate gold leaves and red berries. Kitchenware is the main category of items used for this national ornament, including plates, bowls, containers, jugs, and spoons of different sizes.
-
Porcelain
Wide selection of traditional Russian porcelain dolls and famous blue-on-white Gzhel ceramics will ensure you do not leave empty-handed.
-
Jewelry Boxes
Russian handmade jewelry boxes including lacquered Khokhloma, Palekh, Mstyora styles and miniature enameled figurines with artificial stones.
-
Amber Jewelry
Authentic Baltic amber jewelry will make for a special gift to yourself or a loved one. Choose from a range of beautiful butterscotch, cherry, and honey amber pieces, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.