'Elite' Glass Holder

$94.99

Authentic Russian podstakannik or tea glass holder. Literally, podstakannik means 'under the glass' or 'for the glass'. Less expensive ones were used on Soviet trains during the Soviet era, while more expensive and elaborate ones have been used from time immemorial by Russian aristocracy, then by Soviet leaders, now by the new Russian capitalists. Your tea will taste Russian only when drunk from an original Russian glass holder imported from Moscow. And this is what we sell. A glass insert with a gold ring on top included with any glass holder order for FREE. Podstakannik always makes a great gift!

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'Fairy with Bird' Chime Doll

$99.99

Height: 5 2/4 inches (13.75cm). Hand cut, hand painted and hand lacquered in Russia. Exclusive quality. May be personalized to your order. The roly poly chime doll, or nevalyashka as the Russians call them, does not open like a nesting doll, but rocks from side to side at your touch, emitting a delightful chiming sound. Kids love them. Make sure to treat yours for one of them! Ships within 7 business days.

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'Gzhel Style'

$99.99

Height: 12 2/4 inches (31.25cm). As all of our bottle holders, this wooden holder is handcrafted in the heart of Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional artist specialized in painting on wood. This bottle holder opens in the middle to fit a standard 0.5 ml vodka bottle or a bottle of similar size. May also be used as a treasure box. The bottle holder is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer to preserve the richness of paint color. Would make a great gift and/or a nice addition to dining accessories in your kitchen. Ships within 5-10 business days.

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'Harvest' (set 7)

$55.99

Size: approx. 6.5' Metric: 16.25cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. This whole nesting doll set is dedicated to Russian harvest. Its significance if beautifully outlined below. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: HARVESTING IN RUSSIA It is typical of Russia nowadays - just as it was centuries ago - for villagers (which are undoubtedly the majority of the country's population) to feed themselves more 'off the land' than 'off the salary'. Salaries remain small, in many places they are being either delayed or 'paid in product' (i.e. instead of cash you get the equivalent value of products that your plant manufactures), and rural Russians do not have much choice but grow their own fruits and vegetables, poultry and cattle - to feed themselves. Russians have always been thankful to the soil for all the 'gifts of the land' - as they often gratefully call fruits and vegetables - that it is giving them. Harvesting, baskets of ripe fruits, berries, mushrooms and other 'gifts of the land' have become a prominent 'theme' of traditional nesting doll painting. The doll before you is one of the Russian ways to say 'thank you' to the rich Russian soil.

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'In Banya'

$47.03

Height: 7.2 inches. It was way back in the 18th century, when the founder of Russia's porcelain tradition, D.I. Vinogradov, made the first porcelain figurine. It was a figurine of a bear. Since then porcelain figurines have been basically made the same way: by hand from 'hard' and 'soft' porcelain (the difference is in the firing). Being handmade, each figurine is unique and unparalleled. The porcelain figurine in front of you has been carefully hand-painted and hand-glazed in Russia. Would make a wonderful little gift. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

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'Tsar Saltan' Fairy Tale

$89.99

Size: approx. 8' Metric: 20cm Consists of: 7 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. Each doll in this set displays miniature-scenes based on the famous 'Tsar Saltan' fairy tale. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: 'TSAR SALTAN' (Russian Fairy-Tale) Once upon a time in a far away land Tsar Saltan sat listening to the future plans of three sisters. One of these sisters said that she wanted to give birth to a great warrior, and employ the other two sisters in her charge. Tsar Saltan decided to marry this sister, making the other two sisters become very jealous. These two women decided to do everything they could to make the married sister's life unhappy Tsar Saltan soon went away to war. During his absence his queen gave birth to a healthy baby boy named Gvidon. It looked as if her dream of the future were beginning to be fulfilled, but her evil sisters wrote to the Tsar and convinced him that his son was an evil monster. Believing their ridiculous story, the Tsar then ordered that his wife and son be sealed in a barrel and cast into the sea. The barrel drifted for many years, finally washing ashore after Prince Gvidon had already grown into a man. On this shore Prince Gvidon performed his first great task; he rescued a swan being attacked by an evil magician. Having been saved, the swan then turned into an enchanting princess who promised to help Gvidon find his father. The Prince then became ruler of the land that he had washed ashore upon, and his kingdom became famous throughout the world. One day a merchant ship en route to Tsar Saltan's country passed through Prince Gvidon's magnificent land. On arrival to Tsar Saltan's country the merchant told the Tsar about his son's great land. Tsar Saltan made plans to travel there, but the evil sisters talked him out of it. The next time the merchant passed through the kingdom of Prince Gvidon he saw the Magic Squirrel which lived in a crystal cage that Prince Gvidon had built for it. Again the merchant arrived home to tell Tsar Saltan of his son's magical land, but again the evil sisters interfered. They told the Tsar that he should instead go to the land where one can see 33 warriors and Chernomor rise from the ocean. The Princess Swan explained to Prince Gvidon that these warriors were her brothers, so when the merchant passed through the land a third time this feat was performed for him. Having heard this story the wicked sisters dissuaded the Tsar once more from traveling to his son by telling him that it would be more worth his while to find the Magic Princess with the Sea Star above her head. Prince Gvidon was sad when he discovered once more that his father would not come to see him. Little did he know that the Swan Princess and the Magic Princess were one in the same! The merchant then returned home a fourth time to inform the Tsar that his son had married the Magic Princess. The Tsar then immediately set sail for Gvidon's kingdom where the family was reunited. They lived there happily ever after.

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'Varvara'

$3.60

Height: 2-2.5 inches. Fridge magnet in a shape of a nesting doll. Hand carved, hand painted and hand lacquered. Imported from Moscow, Russia. Ships in packs of 10. Please indicate whether you would like 10 items of the same style or an assortment through the checkout comment form. One or more magnet may only be ordered in combination with a product from any category other than Keychains or Magnets. Please email us to get a quote on quantities larger than 10.

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Black Rabbit 'Ushanka'

$99.99  $84.99

This is a natural black Russian rabbit fur hat with ear flaps. 'Ushanka' [oo-shah-n-kah] literally stands for an 'ear-flapped hat'. It is warm and cozy, perfect for protecting from Siberian winds and snow storms. This model is available in all sizes. Each hat has a nice quilted lining. May be worn ear flaps up or down. Ships within 7 business days.

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Candle Stand (Small)

$9.99

Height: 9cm. Russian hand made item hand painted in the unique Khokhloma style. Khokhloma paiting on wood is a traditional type of Russian decorative work that was started in the second half of XVII century on the territory of what is today called Koverninsky region of Nizhnii Novgorod oblast. The name of this type of painting was given to it after the trade village of Khokhloma - also located in the Nizhnii Novgorod oblast. Khokhloma painting (or Khokhloma) is characterized by the original technology of painting wood gold without the usage of the metal itself. Various combinations of such colors as red, black and golden are characteristic of Khokhloma painting. This item is 100% genuine. Fully hand made. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

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Family Doll (05 pcs / souvenir)

$62.39

More Photos of this Set If you are interested in getting your own personalized nesting doll set made, kindly review our conditions below and email us. CUSTOM NESTING DOLLS Samples (click to see): souvenir sample 1, souvenir sample 2; exclusive sample 1, exclusive sample 2 Number of Portraits 3 pc set 1 portrait per piece 4 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3, 4 1 per piece 5 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3, 4, 5 1 per piece 6 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4, 5, 6 1 per piece 7 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4, 5, 6, 7 1 per piece 8 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4th piece 2 portraits 5th piece 2 portraits 6, 7, 8 1 per piece 9 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4th piece 2 portraits 5th piece 2 portraits 6, 7, 8, 9 1 per piece 10 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4th piece 2 portraits 5th piece 2 portraits 6, 7, 8, 9 1 per piece 10th piece name written or flower painted 11 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4th piece 2 portraits 5th piece 2 portraits 6th piece 2 portraits 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 1 per piece 12 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4th piece 2 portraits 5th piece 2 portraits 6th piece 2 portraits 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 1 per piece 15 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4th piece 2 portraits 5th piece 2 portraits 6th piece 2 portraits 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 1 per piece 13, 14, 15 names written, animals/pets painted, flowers, etc. 20 pc set 1st piece 2 portraits 2nd piece 2 portraits 3rd piece 2 portraits 4th piece 2 portraits 5th piece 2 portraits 6th piece 2 portraits 7th piece 2 portraits 8th piece 2 portraits 9th piece 2 portraits 10th piece 2 portraits 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 1 per piece 19, 20 names written, animals/pets painted, flowers, etc. Requirements Scans of photos (not exceeding 300 kBytes each), labeled 01, 02, 03, etc (where each number corresponds to the piece the person is to be painted on) to be e-mailed to info@russianlegacy.com together with detailed painting instructions (be as detailed as possible please).

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Hand-Carved 'Hog' [small]

$99.95

Size: 5.2 x 4.8 inches. Original Russian wooden animal figurine. Hand-carved by a Russian master. Imported from Moscow. 100% authentic. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 7-10 business days.

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Jewelry Box

$28.11

Russian jewelry box hand painted in the unique Northern Dvina style. Northern Dvina [Severnaya Dvina] is a river in Northern Russia flowing into the Dvina Bay of the White Sea. The style of painting before you is generally called Lubok (or a hand-drawn Lubok). However, this is a particular type of it a Norther Dvina type. A characteristic motif of the Northern Dvina Lubok painting is a flowering branch with large, tulip-like flowers. Predominant color of the pictures is red and the artists often use the uncolored background. The style of the Northern Dvina pictures is rooted in the regional tradition of manuscript illustration and in folk painting on wood. The box before you is not only a jewelry box. It is also a unique work of art. Treat yourself or your loved one to one of them, and it will be a gift to cherish for a lifetime. This box is 100% authentic. Fully hand made. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

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Photograph Frame

$26.79

Size: 4x2.8 inches. Original Russian luxury wooden work imported from Moscow. 100% authentic and handmade in Russia. Great and beautiful gift idea. Ships within 5-7 business days.

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Pipe (24)

$273.57

Hand-carved wooden pipe imported from Moscow, Russia. 100% original. Wonderful luxurious gift from Russia. Fully usable. Ships within 5-7 business days.

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Porcelain Egg Jewelry Box (blue & gold)

$34.49

Size: approx. 4.4' x 2.4' Metric: 11cm x 6cm Type: porcelain Finish: glossy Availability: ships within 4-7 business days Origin: Russian Federation Product Details The authentic Russian porcelain egg in front of you is designed in a distinctive style of the world-famous Carl Faberge, Jeweler to the Russian Imperial Court. Each egg - being handpainted by a professional porcelain painter - stands regally on three golden legs. Each of the majestic eggs also has a hinged backing and is embraced by a golden rim finished with a miniature ribbon clasp. It may serve either as an elegant jewelry box or an exquisite table decoration.

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Russian Fox Fur Hat (unisex)

$249.99  $149.99

Authentic Russian red fox unisex fur hat. Top quality natural color fur. Fully lined. Will keep your head warm in the severest Siberian snowstorm. Ships within 7 business days.

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'Russian Maiden' Christmas Ornament

$15.99

Unique hand-carved and handpainted Russian Christmas ornament imported from the capital of Russia, Moscow. Each and every one of our Christmas ornaments is an outstanding work of art - carved from wood and painted by a professional Russian decorative artist. They are so authentic that decorating your Christmas tree with them will give it a distinctive touch of the snowy festive Russia. .and of course they would make the best Christmas gifts this winter! Height: 3.5-5 inches. Price given per item. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

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'St. Basil's Cathedral' Music Box (Moscow sights)

$99.99  $89.99

This beautiful 'St. Basil's Cathedral' music box is a 100% original hand-crafted Russian piece of art. It is made according to the world-famous Red Square architectural wonder - St. Basil's Cathedral. Coated with 5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, giving it a luxurious glossy finish. Rotates while playing the all-familiar 'Swan Lake' by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Paintings of Moscow sights around the base, including the Kremlin. Would make a terrific gift to anyone interested in Russia and Moscow in particular! Size: 10.2' (26cm). Ships within 10 business days. Imported from Moscow.

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'The Beatles - Sergeant Pepper' Nesting Doll

$64.99

As all of our nesting dolls, this 5-piece set is handcrafted in the heart of Russia. This is a copy of an item currently on display in 'The Beatles' museum in Liverpool, England. It commemorates one of the band's most successful albums - 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'. The set is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. Would make a great gift to any fan. Height: 6.3' (16cm). Ships within 7 business days.

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Blank 10 Piece Nesting Doll

$29.99

Height: 15-16cm (approx. 6 inches). Buy this 10 piece blank to paint your own nesting doll! It it both a unique craft idea for your kids and/or students, and a great gift idea for yourself. You may paint your own unique item for your loved one! This is a top quality linden wood unpainted blank that has been hand carved in the village of Polkhovski Maidan (Russia), the largest wooden blanks supplier in Russia.

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'Russian Lady' Christmas Ornament

$20.77

Unique hand-carved and handpainted Russian Christmas ornament imported from the capital of Russia, Moscow. Each and every one of our Christmas ornaments is an outstanding work of art - carved from wood and painted by a professional Russian decorative artist. They are so authentic that decorating your Christmas tree with them will give it a distinctive touch of the snowy festive Russia. .and of course they would make the best Christmas gifts this winter! Height: 3.5-5 inches. Price given per item. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

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'Russian Man' Christmas Ornament

$41.49

Unique hand-carved and handpainted Russian Christmas ornament imported from the capital of Russia, Moscow. Each and every one of our Christmas ornaments is an outstanding work of art - carved from wood and painted by a professional Russian decorative artist. They are so authentic that decorating your Christmas tree with them will give it a distinctive touch of the snowy festive Russia. .and of course they would make the best Christmas gifts this winter! Height: 3.5-5 inches. Price given per item. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

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'Ballet' Matryoshka

$179.99  $159.99

Size: approx. 9' Metric: 22-23cm Consists of: 10 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 20 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this one is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 5-7 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the largest one is signed by artist. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: RUSSIAN BALLET Russia has made a unique contribution to the development of ballet. Ballet was introduced in Russia together with other aristocratic dance forms as part of Peter the Great's Westernization program in the early 1700s. The first ballet school was established in 1734, and the first full ballet company was founded at the Imperial School of Ballet in St. Petersburg in the 1740s. Italian and French dancers and choreographers predominated in that period, but by 1800 Russian ballet was assimilating native elements from folk dancing as nobles sponsored dance companies of serfs. European ballet critics agreed that the Russian dance had a positive influence on West European ballet. Marius Petipa, a French choreographer who spent fifty years staging ballets in Russia, was the dominant figure during that period; his greatest triumphs were the staging of Tchaikovsky's ballets. Other noted European dancers, such as Marie Taglioni, Christian Johansson, and Enrico Cecchetti, performed in Russia throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, bringing new influences from the West. The most influential figure of the early twentieth century was the impresario Sergey Diaghilev, who founded an innovative touring ballet company in 1909 with choreographer Michel Fokine, dancer Vaslav Nijinksy, and designer Alexandre Benois. After the staging of Stravinskiy's controversial The Rite of Spring, World War I and the Bolshevik Revolution kept Diaghilev from returning to Russia. Until Diaghilev died in 1929, his Russian dance company, the Ballet Russe, was headquartered in Paris. In the same period, the emigre dancer Anna Pavlova toured the world with her troupe and exerted a huge influence on the art form. After Diaghilev, several new companies calling themselves the Ballet Russe toured the world, and new generations of Russian dancers filled their ranks. George Balanchine, a Georgian emigre and protege of Diaghilev, formed the New York City Ballet in 1948. Meanwhile, the Soviet government sponsored new ballet companies throughout the union. After a period of innovation and experimentation in the 1920s, Russia's ballet reverted under Stalin to the traditional forms of Petipa, even changing the plots of some ballets to emphasize the positive themes of socialist realism. The most influential Russian dancer of the mid-twentieth century was Rudolf Nureyev, who defected to the West in 1961 and is credited with establishing the dominant role of the male dancer in classical ballet. A second notable emigre, Mikhail Baryshnikov, burnished an already brilliant career in the United States after defecting from Leningrad's Kirov Ballet in 1974. The large cities of Russia traditionally have their own symphony orchestras and ballet and opera houses. Although funding for such facilities has diminished in the 1990s, attendance at performances remains high. The ballet companies of the Bol'shoy Theater in Moscow and the Kirov Theater in St. Petersburg are world renowned and have toured regularly since the early 1960s.

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'Soviet & Russian Leaders' (07)

$55.99

Size: approx. 6.5' Metric: 16.25cm Consists of: 5 pieces Finish: glossy (lacquer) Availability: ships within 5-10 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: As all of our nesting dolls, this 5 piece set of five Soviet & Russian leaders is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer, and the tallest one is signed by artist. Would make a wonderful gift to anyone interested in Russia.

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Tiny Hand-Painted Samovar

$119.99  $99.99

Height: 5' Metric: 13cm Volume: 1 liter Type: decorative Availability: ships within 6-12 business days Origin: Russian Federation Product Details This tiny Russian samovar is a beautiful decorative piece of art, hand-painted in Lipetsk, Russia. It is 100% authentic and would definitely make a wonderful gift to anyone interested in Russian culture. Important: Variations in the painting pattern are acceptable, as each and every set is hand-painted; hence, unique and unparalleled. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: SAMOVAR HISTORY Samovar is a purely Russian invention. It is used for making tea. In the 17th century tea was delivered to Russia from the territory of West Mongolia and it was used as medicine among the nobility. Tea was a competitor of 'sbiten', the most favourite drink in Russia back then. Its components were: hot water, medicinal herbs and honey. In the 18th century in the Urals and Tula samovar-kitchens were invented. They were divided into three parts - two of them devoted to meals cooking, and the third one wholly devoted to tea-making. Sbitennik and samovar-kitchen were samovar prototypes. There were different ways of manufacturing the first samovars. Samovars were produced in the Urals, Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Tula; and later in Vladimirskaya, Yaroslavskaya and Vyatskaya provinces. The first samovar factory was founded in Tula by Nasar Usitsin in 1778. This town of gunsmiths became famous throughout the world as the center of samovar manufacture. Tula had everything that was needed for such industry: rich ore mines, highly qualified masters skilled in working metals and location (Tula is situated only 200 kilometres south of Moscow). Samovar manufacture soon became to be very profitable. Handicraftsmen were quickly turning into manufacturers; workshops were transformed into samovar manufactures. In 1826 there were only eight samovar factories, whereas in 1896 there were already seventy. Samovars were made out of cupronickel, red and green copper, pinchbeck, and in special cases - out of silver. Some samovars were plated with gold or silver, but brass was always the basic metal. In the course of the centuries samovar shapes changed. By the end of the 19th century the number of samovar types reached 165. Yet, it was almost impossible to fully mechanize the samovars manufacture. Tools used for samovar making were not changing and by hand assembly allowed for only five-six samovars to be produced per day. The highest peak of samovar manufacture in Tula was reached in the 80s of the 19th century. Samovar was not only a feature of home comfort, the symbol of Russian hospitality, but also a kind of a mascot. Among articles of folk domestic art samovars occupy a special place. They are often viewed not only as domestic utensils, but also as real works of applied arts. Each true samovar master always wanted to astonish his customers by his creativity. Conservative design and durability in combination with decorative qualities draw interest to samovars of the people all over the world. Tula samovars were represented at many exhibitions in Russia and abroad. Manufacturers taking part at the exhibitions were constantly awarded with medals, the reprints of which often appeared on their samovars after that. Tula samovars were spread all over Russia. At the fairs one could find samovars of very different shapes: vase-shaped, pear-shaped, wine-glass-shaped, etc. Prices reduction in the process of manufacture caused standardization of samovar shapes. The so-called cylindrical samovars became widely spread. Originally Tula produced coal samovars (the water in them was heated up by charcoal), kerosene samovars and combined variants, the water in which could be heated up by any kind of fuel. Prices were set in direct dependence with shape, material and dimension of a samovar. Simple samovars were sold in bulk. Articles of complicated shapes (presents, samovars made to order) were sold by the piece. During the whole of the 19th century portable samovars were produced in Tula. As a rule, they were multi-sided, cubic and right-angled. Over the two hundred years, production technology improved considerably. Now presses and conveyor lines are widely employed. Casting under pressure is also widespread. At 'Shtamp' plant nickel-plating automatic line was introduced. Samovars here are decorated by art rolling. The plant produces samovars of different types: coal (of six versions) and - from 1956 - electrical (volume 2-3 litres; for buffets), combined and painted. Folk traditions keep on existing and developing. Gorgeous samovars - authentic works of art - are still produced in Russia. Samovars are still awarded with prizes and medals at national and international exhibitions.

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'Fairy Tale' Samovar Set

$399.99

Dimensions: height: c. 14' diameter: c. 7.5' Metric: height: 35cm diameter: 18.75cm Volume: 3 liters Type: electric / functional Voltage: 220 volts, 1.25 KVt (no voltage converter necessary; simple plug adaptor would do) Availability: ships within 6-12 business days Origin: Russian Federation PRODUCT DETAILS: The gorgeous 'Fairy Tale' electric samovar set in front of you consists of an authentic 'ryumka' (shot glass)-shaped hand-painted Russian electric samovar (fully functional and ready to make tea), a handsome hand-painted tray and a beautiful hand-painted porcelain teapot. The whole set is 100% original, made and imported from Russia. Would definitely make a wonderful gift to anyone interested in Russian culture. Important: Slight variations in the painting pattern are acceptable, as each and every set is hand-painted; hence, unique and unparalleled. WARNING: Do not place the painted teapot on top of hot samovar. The paint will come off. Teapot may be put on top of samovar only when the latter is not in use. MORE INFO / RELATED STORY: SAMOVAR HISTORY Samovar is a purely Russian invention. It is used for making tea. In the 17th century tea was delivered to Russia from the territory of West Mongolia and it was used as medicine among the nobility. Tea was a competitor of 'sbiten', the most favourite drink in Russia back then. Its components were: hot water, medicinal herbs and honey. In the 18th century in the Urals and Tula samovar-kitchens were invented. They were divided into three parts - two of them devoted to meals cooking, and the third one wholly devoted to tea-making. Sbitennik and samovar-kitchen were samovar prototypes. There were different ways of manufacturing the first samovars. Samovars were produced in the Urals, Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Tula; and later in Vladimirskaya, Yaroslavskaya and Vyatskaya provinces. The first samovar factory was founded in Tula by Nasar Usitsin in 1778. This town of gunsmiths became famous throughout the world as the center of samovar manufacture. Tula had everything that was needed for such industry: rich ore mines, highly qualified masters skilled in working metals and location (Tula is situated only 200 kilometres south of Moscow). Samovar manufacture soon became to be very profitable. Handicraftsmen were quickly turning into manufacturers; workshops were transformed into samovar manufactures. In 1826 there were only eight samovar factories, whereas in 1896 there were already seventy. Samovars were made out of cupronickel, red and green copper, pinchbeck, and in special cases - out of silver. Some samovars were plated with gold or silver, but brass was always the basic metal. In the course of the centuries samovar shapes changed. By the end of the 19th century the number of samovar types reached 165. Yet, it was almost impossible to fully mechanize the samovars manufacture. Tools used for samovar making were not changing and by hand assembly allowed for only five-six samovars to be produced per day. The highest peak of samovar manufacture in Tula was reached in the 80s of the 19th century. Samovar was not only a feature of home comfort, the symbol of Russian hospitality, but also a kind of a mascot. Among articles of folk domestic art samovars occupy a special place. They are often viewed not only as domestic utensils, but also as real works of applied arts. Each true samovar master always wanted to astonish his customers by his creativity. Conservative design and durability in combination with decorative qualities draw interest to samovars of the people all over the world. Tula samovars were represented at many exhibitions in Russia and abroad. Manufacturers taking part at the exhibitions were constantly awarded with medals, the reprints of which often appeared on their samovars after that. Tula samovars were spread all over Russia. At the fairs one could find samovars of very different shapes: vase-shaped, pear-shaped, wine-glass-shaped, etc. Prices reduction in the process of manufacture caused standardization of samovar shapes. The so-called cylindrical samovars became widely spread. Originally Tula produced coal samovars (the water in them was heated up by charcoal), kerosene samovars and combined variants, the water in which could be heated up by any kind of fuel. Prices were set in direct dependence with shape, material and dimension of a samovar. Simple samovars were sold in bulk. Articles of complicated shapes (presents, samovars made to order) were sold by the piece. During the whole of the 19th century portable samovars were produced in Tula. As a rule, they were multi-sided, cubic and right-angled. Over the two hundred years, production technology improved considerably. Now presses and conveyor lines are widely employed. Casting under pressure is also widespread. At 'Shtamp' plant nickel-plating automatic line was introduced. Samovars here are decorated by art rolling. The plant produces samovars of different types: coal (of six versions) and - from 1956 - electrical (volume 2-3 litres; for buffets), combined and painted. Folk traditions keep on existing and developing. Gorgeous samovars - authentic works of art - are still produced in Russia. Samovars are still awarded with prizes and medals at national and international exhibitions.

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'Russian Man' Christmas Ornament

$20.77

Unique hand-carved and handpainted Russian Christmas ornament imported from the capital of Russia, Moscow. Each and every one of our Christmas ornaments is an outstanding work of art - carved from wood and painted by a professional Russian decorative artist. They are so authentic that decorating your Christmas tree with them will give it a distinctive touch of the snowy festive Russia. .and of course they would make the best Christmas gifts this winter! Height: 3.5-5 inches. Price given per item. Imported from Moscow, Russia.

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'Life of Jesus' Nesting Doll

$229.99

Authentic Russian nesting doll displaying scenes from the life of the Lord Jesus, painted in Russian Orthodox iconic style by an icon painter blessed in the Orthodox Church. Size: 7.2 inches (18cm). Consists of: 7 pieces. Finish: glossy (lacquer). Availability: ships within 20-30 business days. Origin: Russian Federation. As all of our nesting dolls, this set is handcrafted in the heart Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional nesting doll artist. It is a typical nesting doll, and each smaller piece of the set fits into the next larger one. Each doll is coated with 5 layers of crystal clear lacquer to preserve the richness of color for ages. The tallest doll in the set is signed by the artist.

Store: RussianLegacy.com

'Russian Dandy' Bottle Holder

$99.99

Height: 12 2/4 inches (31.25cm). As all of our bottle holders, this wooden holder is handcrafted in the heart of Russia. It is handturned from linden wood and then handpainted by a professional artist specialized in painting on wood. This bottle holder opens in the middle to fit a standard 0.5 ml vodka bottle or a bottle of similar size. May also be used as a treasure box. The bottle holder is coated with 3-5 layers of crystal clear lacquer to preserve the richness of paint color. Would make a great gift and/or a nice addition to dining accessories in your kitchen. Ships within 5-10 business days.

Store: RussianLegacy.com

'Russian-American Friendship' (2)

$69.99

This 5 piece nesting doll features portraits of Soviet leaders and Russian presidents alongside the US presidents from the same time in office. Starting with the largest doll: Medvedev-Obama, Bush-Putin, Clinton-Yeltsin, Gorbachev-Reagan, Brezhnev-Nixon. Size: approx. 6 1/2 inches (16.25cm). Finish: glossy (lacquer). Manufactured in Russia. Ships within 5-7 business days.

Store: RussianLegacy.com

'Lenin' 100 Pins & Badges

$114.99

Collection of 100 (one hundred) assorted Soviet pins and badges related to Vladimir I. Lenin. All pins and badges 100% original (made in the USSR). Imported from Moscow, Russia. Slight repetition within the quantity of 100 possible.

Store: RussianLegacy.com

'Russian Writers / Composers' 100 Pins & Badges

$114.99

Collection of 100 (one hundred) assorted Soviet and Russian pins and badges related to Russian writers and composers. All pins and badges 100% original (made in the USSR and Russia). Imported from Moscow, Russia. Slight repetition within the quantity of 100 possible.

Store: RussianLegacy.com