1. Best of Russia ~3 Samovar, Laquerwork, Matreshka & Zhostovo Trays

2. A samovar (literally "self-boiler") is a heated metal container traditionally used to heat and boil water in and around Russia, as well as in other Central, South-Eastern and Eastern European countries, in Iran, Kashmir, Turkey and eastern Yemen. Since the heated water is usually used for making tea, many samovars have an attachment on the tops of their lids to hold and heat a teapot filled with tea concentrate. Samovars are said to have been invented in Central Asia, though their origin is a matter of dispute. Click…

8. Russian lacquer boxes are among the most beautiful and distinctive of that country's art achievements in the 20th century. The boxes feature intricately hand-drawn miniature paintings based on a variety of themes, including fairy tales, poems, country life, troikas, landscapes, battle scenes, and old art masterpieces. They get their name from the many layers of lacquer (most often, black and red) that are applied to both their outside and inside sections. Coats of clear lacquer, or varnish, are the last layers to be put on and provide a stunning shine to the box…Click

12. The traditional symbol of Russian culture is Matreshka (also spelled Matryoshka), which is a set of nesting dolls. Most of them are exclusive author's works made by famous Russian artists. Every doll (except the last one, the smallest) consists of two parts. The smaller doll inserts into the bigger one. Thus dolls (sometimes up to 30) can be combined inside the biggest doll - Matreshka… Click

13. The village of Zhostovo outside Moscow is a world-famous Russian folk art center. It's popular for their painted trays decorated with bright bunches of flowers on the black background. The skillful and talented masters of Zhostovo have turned these domestic utensils into real masterpieces of art. The floral designs of Zhostovo trays display beauty of nature and a cheerful, optimistic sense of life. Hand-drawn flowers from the Moscow suburb are unique and famous throughout the world for their color and beauty. Using a special double brush technique, the artists in Zhostovo paint on a variety of objects, but the large Zhostovo metal trays make for some of the most spectacular art pieces. Click

15. Trinity 2009