Russian Gifts

Traditional souvenirs

Traditional and popular Russian souvenirs the matryoshka (the painted set of nested dolls), khokkloma (Iacquerware), dumkovo (earthenware), gzhel (china ornaments), platki (shawls), shapki (fur hats), wood carvings, jewelry made from amber or malachite, linen, samovars, balalaikas, art books and znachki (small pins). Painted lacquer boxes vary in style and price according to which Golden Ring town they were made in. The craftsmen of Palekh, for example, use tempera paint to illustrate elongated figures distinguished by the colors red, black and gold. An authentic box takes up three months to complete with the smallest details painted using brushes made from squirrel or mink hair. Many fakes are pasted with colored decal scenes, which are not painted – check to make sure you have an original before buying.