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Russian Nesting Dolls & Santas >> Russian Santas
All of our Russian Santas offer the best artistic quality in the world. Each piece is hand-carved, solid wood and hand painted. No decals or fillers are used for these heirloom quality art pieces. Most of the pieces are hand-signed by the artist. The prices on these pieces are exceptional.
Russian Santas are frequently used as teaching examples for "statuesque woodcarving." This means that each Santa has an all-round gorgeous view of color, carving, and detailed imagery. The total surface is painted and carved in such a way that the wooden sculpture may be viewed from any point (360 degrees), and the viewer will enjoy all angles.
Santa Claus figures are often covered with glitter and lacquer to preserve their bright and beautiful coloring for years. Their coats have festive patterns, and often look as if a small painting has been painted right on the sculpture. Most of Santa Claus figures are signed by the artists which make them wonderful collectibles.
The best woods for these sculptures include lime-tree, asp and alder. Lime is especially good for this purpose as its wood is pliant, has a smooth texture and homogenous color which is highly desirable for creating wood sculpture.
At Art & Home du Jour, our Russian Santas make magnificent gifts and become family heirlooms. Because each one is hand-painted and hard-carved, each is unique, even when the design is similar. In this way, every piece is a one of a kind. We encourage you to try one of these pieces, or let us send one, gift-wrapped to someone special in your life.
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History of Russian Santa Claus Wooden Figures:
It is known that St. Nicholas of Myra, a Turkish bishop, who became the patron Saint of Moscow, is a prototype of almost all Santa Clauses. The legend says that Prince Vladimir, who reigned in Kiev Rus in the 11th century, went to Constantinople to be baptized and came back with a number of stories about miracles performed by this Saint, who was also known for his kindness and his exceptional love for children. Since then many Eastern Orthodox Churches are named for this great Saint. In Russia, December 19th marks the Feast Day of St. Nicholas of Myra. St. Nicholas is the most loved Saint whom Russians ask for protection and relief from all hardships.
Due to the suppression of many religious and folk traditions during the Soviet regime, St. Nicholas was replaced by Grandfather Frost (Russian pronunciation is Ded Moroz). Christmas trees were replaced with "New Years" trees because Russian people reinvented the New Year's holiday tradition to include a decorated tree and introduce a character known as Ded Moroz.
Grandfather Frost looked very much like the Western "Santa Claus" or "Pere Noel". Legend has it that Grandfather Frost lives deeply in the Northern woods and every year on December 31, comes to town in his sleigh. He has a Granddaughter named Snegourochka, the snow-maiden, who looks after him and helps to pack New Year gifts for kids. On New Year's Eve, Grandfather Frost visits every house when children are deeply asleep and puts gifts under each New Years tree where children find them the next morning. Children wait for him impatiently; Ded Moroz is the personification of kindness and generosity.
What makes Christmas so special? Maybe its the glorious spiritual and family traditions. Maybe it's the pure wishes and hopes for Peace on Earth. But for sure, Russian Wooden Christmas Santas are refined and memorable gifts for dear friend and family members. It is easy for all to see the sentimental and heirloom value of these treasures.
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