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Russian Birch Bark
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Are you searching for a unique gift to bring back from your Russian travels? There are many choices available, but a great option is to purchase Russian birch bark. This ancient Russian craft, also known as beresta, makes a wonderful Russian souvenir. Russian birch bark is often transformed into gorgeous baskets, boxes, jewelry, paintings, decorative objects and even clothing containing intricate carving patterns.
The ancient Siberian city of Tomsk continues to produce the most Russian birch bark items. This delicate artwork is very unique, and often appears almost like fine lace. However, many people are surprised to discover that the bark is very smooth and soft, and feels very similar to leather. These magnificent Russian items are very beautiful and durable. They will last for centuries and make great Russian souvenirs or gifts for any special occasion. Russian birch bark decorative items have become a favorite of tourists and collectors worldwide!
The History of Russian Birch Bark
The birch tree is a symbol of the Russian soul, and it is associated with the traditions of the country. Beautiful white birch groves have long inspired Russian painters, poets and carvers. Russian folk wisdom claims that touching a birch tree will reduce your stress and restore your emotions.
Many Russian craftsmen enjoy using birch because the bark of this tree has antibacterial properties. Birch is also waterproof, durable and easy to carve. Best of all, birch trees are found all over Russia so wood carving artists have a constantly supply of materials to use. For many centuries, talented Russians have used birch bark for writing and to create beautiful and unique works of art. During a 1951 Soviet expedition, explorers discovered Russian birch bark writing that dates back to approximately 1400! Many other Russian birch bark documents have survived the Middle Ages.
The Process of Making Russian Birch Bark
The process of creating items from Russian birch bark remains basically the same as when it was first invented many centuries ago. During a short period in either late spring or early summer, Russians collect the birch bark from trees that are specially marked to be logged. This is when the bark of the birch trees is higher quality and easier to remove. The bark is removed by cutting a lengthwise slit and then prying or pulling it away from the wood of the tree.
The bark must be removed from the birch tree only during a particular season so it can be cleared from the white surface and turned inside out. This produces a cream-colored surface suitable that makes the bark suitable for turning into various objects of beauty. Russian artists and craftsmen use many special tools to hand carve the durable Russian birch bark into boxes or figurines. Once they are done carving, they use a thin layer of paraffin wax to coat the finished piece. Most of the Russian artists continue to use traditional turn-of-the-century workshops to create their birch bark masterpieces.
The bark of a birch tree is very similar to both wood and paper. Therefore, talented individuals can print on the bark, turn it into flat sheets, carve it or even bend it into very flexible and interesting shapes. Some of the very elaborate Russian birch bark boxes take talented craftsmen many hours to create.
Russian Birch Bark Art
Russian birch bark was often used to create handy waterproof containers and everyday utensils. Because birch canisters were waterproof and antibacterial, they could preserve milk, grains and herbs much longer than other types of containers. Russian parents also used to design special talismans to protect their children from evil spirits. These birch bark talismans were called igrushki-oberegi.
Although this Russian craft used to include mainly useful household objects, the focus is now on more decorative birch bark objects. One of the most beautiful examples of Russian birch bark is the elaborate carved boxes. Recent birch bark artists have been developing interesting new styles. This artistic freedom has resulted in a many birch bark boxes and baskets that represent a mixture of new ideas and ancient traditions. You can now find Russian birch bark boxes in any shape, including square, round, oval or heart-shaped.
You may be surprised at just how many other types of Russian birch bark items are designed by talented local craftsmen. In addition to the gorgeous baskets and jewelry boxes, you can find birch bark barrettes, bracelets, hair combs, brooches and earrings to place inside them. Intricately carved trivets, spice jars and even birch bark paintings are also available. The level of detail for these one-of-a-kind handcrafted items is absolutely breathtaking. Don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase one of these unique Russian folk art treasures!
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