
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, September 3, 1995                   TAG: 9509070022
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: D-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

`RUSSIAN COUNTRY' COMES TO AMERICA

For over 300 years, master artisans in Russia's Semenov region have produced a style of hand-crafted art that has almost become as much a symbol of Russia as the bear. Golden Khokhloma, made from the abundant linden and birch forests of the region, has been used and displayed in forms from vases, bowls, plates and other tabletop items for generations.

While commonly called folk art, the artistic excellence and craftsmanship reflected in many of the peasants' common household objects can be correctly referred to as fine art. The crafted and carved wood and decorated objects that define the "Russian Country" style also include objects that hold special meaning and ultimately become family heirlooms.

Once available in the United States only through collectors, the works of these Russian master artisans are coming to America.

Golden Khokhloma is perhaps best described as items that have been gilt without the use of gold, using a technique developed in Russian monasteries over three centuries ago. The artwork has a distinctive gold look with a bright and festive paint of scarlet cinnabar, reds and greens. Traditional designs were adopted from nature and included interwoven grass, flowers and leaves. Modem expressions display red currants, raspberries, flying birds and gold twisted branches. All Khokhloma items are hand-painted and each is an original yet fully functional work of art.

"For centuries, families in Russia have used Khokhloma tableware in much the same way as families in America have used fine china," Joe Ruggiero, host of Home & Garden television's "Rooms for Improvement," said. "Today, as in the 16th Century, these vases, plates, cups, bowls and spoons are completely functional for serving meals or for display."

Golden Khokhloma is still created in Russia today, in the same manner as it was in the time of Peter the Great. But as the late 20th century has seen Russia open itself up to a new world, so have the Khokhloma artisans. In 1995, for the first time in history, they have begun to create a product with Western influence ... Christmas ornaments.

Another prominent theme in Russian Country is the "Beautiful Corner." In Russian homes, or Izbas, the Beautiful Corner is made up of one or more shelves in a special corner of the home, on which families would place icon paintings, religious articles, various decorative linens and other special items.

"The Beautiful Corner is in effect the central part of the room," said Louise Earle, who along with Ruggiero is introducing the Russian Country line in America. "The items placed here are often of master craftsmanship and the most beautiful items in the home."

For more information, call Country Trade Connections at 1-800-839-0888.

by CNB