Khokhloma

It is known for its curved linear features depicting vivid small flowers, berries, grasses, and leaf motifs.

The Firebird, a common and popular figure from the Russian fairytales is often featured as the main subject matter.

The style is named after the village of Khokhloma (56.973°N 43.902°E) in Koverninsky District, Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Volga region, where it first appeared in the second half of the 17th century.

This region is known for wood crafts ranging from small household goods to carvings on gables and gates in the traditional peasant cottages.

Among the schismatics there were icon-painters, who taught local craftsmen the special technique of painting wood in a golden color without the use of genuine real gold.

[5] The two largest components that impacted Khokhloma production significantly were the rising costs of timber and competition with factories.

These two factories have become the Khokhloma centers of Russia and produce tableware, utensils (mostly spoons), furniture, souvenirs, etc.

Khokhloma set
Khokhloma tableware on a Soviet postage stamp.
Khokhloma painting on a wooden ladle in the shape of a swan, made in Nizhny Novgorod
Ivan Bakanov. Khokhloma artists at work. Palekh miniature , 1929.