Russian folk craft combines a huge layer of culture. The peculiarity of our country is also that almost every corner, region or autonomous region has its own type of needlework. It can be painting on various materials, clay products and toys, lace weaving, pastries and much, much more.
Painting
For a long time, Russia has been famous all over the world for its artists. Such patterns, which were performed by our masters, could not have been invented by any European artist. Over time, even separate directions and schools have developed that continue the traditions of our people.
It is almost impossible to list all types and techniques of painting in Russia. There are so many of them, and each carries certain features of the area and culture. The most famous Russian folk art crafts,this is:
- Gzhel. These blue patterns on white porcelain are known throughout the CIS and abroad. Initially, dishes made of special white clay were used for personal needs. Over time, it spread throughout Russia and even began to be used for "pharmaceutical needs." The original and memorable pattern on white dishes appeared much later - at the end of the 19th century.
- Artistic folk crafts - Khokhloma. This is another of the well-known symbols of Russia. This thought is already about 400 years old. It originated in Nizhny Novgorod. The peculiarity of the drawing is that various berries, flowers, birds and animals are depicted on a tree or dishes. In this case, predominantly red and black paint on a gold background are used. Sometimes green and yellow are used.
- Gorodets painting. This craft is unique in that different types of wood were originally used in its technique: one is light, the other is dark. Cut out parts were inserted into special recesses and a peculiar pattern was obtained. Later they began to use tint. In almost every picture, the main element is a horse with a beautiful elongated neck.
In addition to these techniques, which are used by artistic crafts and folk crafts, there is still a huge number of murals that all of Russia is proud of to this day. They are a symbol of our country and a source of its pride. These are Zhostovo and Mezen painting, Fedoskino and Palekh miniatures and much more.
Pottery
As you know, Russians were mostly peoplesettled and hardworking. A variety of pottery was actively used in everyday life. Therefore, such a Russian folk craft was popular in those days - pottery.
Few people know that initially only women were engaged in this. And only much later this craft completely passed into the strong hands of men.
As a rule, they were engaged in this craft in places of natural accumulation of clay. As a rule, villages and settlements were formed near them. The secrets of pottery have been passed down from generation to generation.
Novgorod, Smolensk, Ryazan, Gzhel, Vologda and many, many others became the most famous districts in Russia, which were famous for their masters who made wonderful products from clay. Usually, these were areas near rivers and lakes.
Not only dishes were made from clay. Various toys, figurines, whistles, decorations and interior items were widely used. A vivid example of this is the folk crafts of Gzhel. Initially, various ceramic dishes were made here. Now in any souvenir shop in Russia you can find a ceramic product with a signature unique blue pattern.
In the Nizhny Novgorod region, pottery originated in the 16th century. One of its centers was the village of Bogorodskoye. Until now, there is a festival of masters and fans of this craft.
In the central part of Russia, clay tiles were widely known and used. Such art required special skill and endurance. The houses of we althy boyars, as well as many churches and cathedrals, were decorated with clay cashiers.
Weaving and lace making
This is practically the same traditional art for Russia as painting or woodcarving. However, this ancient Russian folk craft carried magical functions. After all, Slavic clothing is not only a way to protect against cold and bad weather, but also a good way to once again protect yourself from any evil eye, damage or disease.
That is why the pattern on the products of Russian masters is so important. For many centuries, it has not changed much. At the same time, it is also the calling card of every nation living in Russia. They also contain information about its development, about important events and heroes.
The most famous handicrafts are:
- Royal items. In the Middle Ages, this craftsmanship was highly valued and often in the homes of rich boyars and princes one could see embroidered embassy tablecloths, patterned fabrics and special linen. The masters of Kadashevskaya Sloboda and Khamovnikov of the Moscow Region gained the greatest fame. Items from Cherkasovo and Breitovo in the Yaroslavl region were also valued.
- Down shawls. These products, as well as nesting dolls or Khokhloma, are the hallmark of Russia. Orenburg downy shawls have gained the greatest popularity. For the first time, they became known at the dawn of the 18th century. They are made from soft and warm goat down, as well as silk, cotton and other threads taken as a basis. Also known are half-woolen and woolen Pavlovo-Posad printed shawls.
- Lace weaving. For the first time, this folk craft became widespread in the 17th century. Lace is made by hand using wooden bobbins. At the same time, they have special grooves for threads. It is with the help of these sticks that the craftswomen weave the necessary patterns. The original centers of lace-making in Russia were Vologda, the Mikhailovsky district in Ryazan, the Sovetsky district in the Kirov region and the Yelets district in the Lipetsk region.
Like many folk crafts in Russia, weaving and lace-making in the Soviet period and today is practically not developed. There are quite a few craftsmen left who could completely recreate the technique and patterns according to ancient customs.
Blacksmithing
Rus has always been famous for strong and he althy people. It is not for nothing that blacksmithing has become one of the most honorable and revered crafts among our ancestors. It was about these strong and hardy people that legends and epics were composed, as about the pride of the people and their heroes.
Iron was known to our direct ancestors - the Slavs. And already in the XI century, this Russian folk craft was most widespread. Even the largest principalities were located precisely near deposits of ore and clay.
Usually blacksmiths independently mined and processed metal. At the same time, the forging technique itself practically did not change until the 19th century. First, a piece of metal was heated with a forge, and then the metal was compacted with a hammer and all slag was removed.
Artisans made not only swords. They gave peoplelocks and keys, axes and knives, nails and needles, cauldrons, weights and much more.
The main centers of blacksmithing in Russia were the city of Zlatoust, which was valued and revered by our tsars as the capital of weapons, Pavlovsky Ostrog, Siberia, the city of Belev and many, many others. It was these places that glorified blacksmithing and forever included it in the folk crafts of Russia.
Wood and bone carving
Another ancient, but not completely forgotten craft. For our people, everything has its own sacred meaning. Even in ordinary everyday items, the ancestors tried to use special things. It was for this that various folk-applied crafts existed. Products made from natural materials were especially appreciated: stone, bone or wood.
In addition to making various household items, art crafts, etc., carvings were used to decorate the facades of buildings, make sculptures, etc.
The following handicrafts are especially popular:
- Shemogodskaya slotted birch bark. This art originates in the Vologda region. Birch bark, despite its apparent fragility, is a fairly strong and durable material. Vologda craftsmen make a variety of baskets, dishes, tuesas, jewelry, and even shoes and clothes. The peculiarity of these products is that a natural floral ornament, leaves and berries, flowers and stems are intertwined with the traditional pattern.
- Varnavinskaya bone carving. This is the art of folk crafts of Nizhny Novgorod masters. It arose on the basis of a special house carving performed on wood. The peculiarity of such products lies in the absolute originality and individuality. After all, each item is made by hand, without any templates and stamps.
- Abramtsevo-Kudrinskaya carving. This extraordinary art craft became widely known in the 19th century. Using this technique, they made ladles, dishes, vases and caskets, as well as any items of home decor and household items. The peculiarity of these products is the predominance of various curls, rosettes, twigs, wood tinting and polishing.
Besides these folk crafts, Russia is rich in craftsmen who can do more than simply apply patterns to stone, bone or wood. They seem to complement the natural pattern of the material with their own work. That is why these products become so unusual and unique.
Crafts: toys
The main thing for any family is procreation. That is why children have always been given special attention. They were watched, trained and, of course, played with. In order to entertain the child, they made special crafts: leather, fabric, wood, stone, etc.
Russian folk crafts for children:
- Matryoshka. The most famous toy that has become a symbol of Russia. This wooden doll first appeared at the end of the 19th century. In total it consists of 8 parts. The doll was turned by an ordinary turner. She was then painted to look like a Russian girl with the same but smaller copies inside.
- ToyBogorodskaya, carved. These toys began to be made in the 16th-17th centuries. At the same time, the masters made not only ordinary sculptures, but also special moving figures. These are hunters, peasants, animals or birds, as well as whole scenes from everyday rural life.
- Dymkovo toys. Folk crafts of this settlement are known almost throughout Russia. As early as the 15th century, traditions arose to make funny whistle toys out of clay. These figurines of animals, people and birds carried ancient images. The traditions of this craft were not passed on as usual, from father to son, but from mother to daughter.
It is endless to list all the famous and ancient dynasties that dedicated their skills to children. And each toy had its own character, special features that the rest did not have.
Glass blowing
This is one of the hardest and most interesting things to do at the same time. In Russia, glass-blowing craft appeared not so long ago - in the 18th century. Its founder was Prince Menshikov. And, despite the fact that initially foreigners were invited to the production, later the occupation turned into our national Russian folk craft.
The city of Klin has become the center of glass-blowing production. It is there that now you can get to the fabulous exhibition of Christmas toys and decorations. Why this particular town near Moscow? This region is rich in deposits of the most valuable sand for glassblowers - quartz, without which production is impossible.
Another place known throughout the country is Gus-Khrustalny. This town owes its name to the ancientglass-blowing factory founded in the 18th century and owned by famous Russian businessmen M altsov.
Now this wonderful plant produces a wide variety of products from this fragile material. These are wine glasses and glasses, vases and shtofs, as well as interesting souvenirs and even interior items.
Modern handicraft exhibitions
Now the main thing for many Russian crafts and masters is to continue to develop. Popularity is the key to success. After all, the more people know and appreciate the craft, the better, the more orders the craftsmen receive.
In addition, handicrafts help the new generation to understand the history and culture of their own country. It is not only interesting and informative, but also a lot of fun, especially for young children. After all, almost every one of our products uses bright colors, funny drawings with funny characters.
As a rule, the places where the production of certain handicrafts is concentrated, annual fairs and exhibitions are held. This is where craftsmen bring their best pieces to showcase and sell.
The most famous and interesting fairs today:
- Exhibition of folk crafts "Rook". It takes place in Nizhny Novgorod every year. Artistic crafts are presented here not only by local masters, but also by the best craftsmen of Russia. This event takes place in mid-December.
- Ethnomir - masters and crafts. This exhibition takes place in the Kaluga region in September. It brings together the best masters of Russia and the world. Within the framework of this festival, very interesting andeducational workshops for everyone.
Solovki craft fair. This annual event in the Arkhangelsk region is visited by craftsmen from Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Moscow, Arkhangelsk, Murmansk, Nizhny Novgorod and other craftsmen cities and villages. Folk crafts such as Khokhloma, toys and Gzhel are especially appreciated by visitors.
In addition to these fairs, there are many others that bring together a huge number of people and contribute to the revival of long-forgotten folk crafts.
Knife craft
Artistic metalworking was widespread throughout almost the entire territory of Russia. And in different regions, entire centers for the production of knives, dishes, and various cutlery appeared.
The Nizhny Novgorod masters were especially famous for their skill. The Pavlovskaya Sloboda became the center of artistic metal craft. The first reminder of it appeared in the 16th century. Then this art of folk crafts spread to other districts and regions. For example, this is the village of Vorsma. The art and skills of the local craftsmen were known far beyond the borders of Russia. During the years of the USSR, this place became the official capital of the Knife Industry.
Russian knives and cutlery were decorated with a wide variety of materials: from bone to mother-of-pearl and jasper. They were engraved with a special engraving, which served not only as a decoration, but also as a kind of production brand.
One of the most famous houses that made these handicrafts a family affair andpassed on technology and the secrets of craftsmanship from father to sons, became the Ptitsyns, Zavyalovs and Biryutins. Their products made a huge impression at trade fairs in Philadelphia, London, Berlin and Paris.
Jewellery in Russia
This is one of the most valuable and sought after handicrafts of our people. Until now, the products of ancient Russian masters amaze the mind and imagination of visitors and experts of numerous museums and exhibitions. Jewelery is notable for the fact that it is based on many artistic crafts and folk crafts. This is forging, carving, painting and much, much more.
Jewellery accompanied the Russian people from birth to death. Even a baby was wearing some kind of beads, and the girls' ears were pierced at the age of 6-8 years. Boys, as a rule, relied on one earring. In addition to these jewelry, a variety of bracelets, rings and precious rings, clasps and more were popular among the people. The most common materials in Russia were gold, silver and pearls. Later, during the development of active trade relations, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and garnets appeared.
Despite the fact that foreign masters were often invited by Russian princely houses, Russia had many of its own heroes. This is Gavrila Ovdokimov, who made the lid of the shrine for the deceased Tsarevich Dmitry, Moscow masters Ivan Popov, Tretyak Pestrikov and Afanasy Stepanov.
Central regions became the centers of jewelry craft, giving rise to folk crafts - Gzhel, artistic forging and painting, etc., NizhnyNovgorod, Krasnoye Selo, Veliky Ustyug and many others.
