Khokhloma Wood Vase ~ Vintage

The Khokhloma style is named for the village of Khokhloma in Koverninsky District, Novgorod Oblast, Volga region, where it first appeared in the second half of the 17th century. The production of painted dishes in this style was first mentioned in 1659.

The handicraft owes its origin to the Old Believers, who, fleeing from persecutions of officials, took refuge in local woods. Even earlier, however, local villagers had experience in making tableware from soft woods. Among the schismatics there were Orthodox Icon painters, who taught local craftsmen the special technique of painting wood in a golden colour without the use of genuine real gold.