Russian

Russian culture and art can be traced back to the early East Slavic culture. The art of Russian culture, especially icon painting, distinguishes it from the rest of the world. The icon painting style was adopted from the art of the Byzantine churches. It was further enhanced to mosaic and fresco tradition. This was one of the ways of promoting religion in Russia.

Another peculiarity of Russian culture is the Matryoshka doll made from wood. This doll can be pulled apart to reveal another figure that is incorporated inside. These figures were nested inside one another and could be made with six or more such different dolls. Another distinct Russian art is blue-white ceramic pottery, which was developed during 1830s. Khokhloma is a 17th century handcraft style that involves painting wood in golden colour without the use of real gold. Eggs are decorated with Pisanka, which gained huge popularity in Eastern Europe, especially during Easter.

All the above mentioned art and paintings, which represented a particular era or Russia as a transcontinental country, are popular amongst collectors as antiques. Moreover, oriental Russian designs on silver products such as dinnerware, cigarette case, cuff links, purses, etc. also give a plush look to a person or a house.