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THE ART OF LACEMAKING. VOLOGDA'S SNOWY PATTERNS
In the beginning was the word. Kruzhevo, the word for lace in Russian, is related to the word okruzhat’, or encircle, and was originally applied to any ornamentation decorating the hems or sides of a garment. It did not have to include an airy concatenation of thread. Some styles of embroidery, ornamental trimming, gems, and pearls were previously also called kruzhevo. It was not until the 17th century, in conjunction with the fashion for lace collars and cuffs, that the word kruzhevo came to refer to the specific decorative style we now know as lace. There are to this day many centers of lacemaking in Russia, each with its own history and style. But Vologda stands out, and is probably the most famous of all such locales. Lacemaking is a signature craft in this northern town. Vologda’s lace covers the city in a delicate gauze, clothing it in snowy-soft beauty all year round.
Fishing in the Vorkuta region
The harsh, arctic lands of Russia’s Vorkutinsky District were settled when people began mining coal in the area. Although the region is inhabited, the mines, settlements and railroad stations are like miniscule islands of civilisation in an endless ocean of tundra. By just travelling a little outside of the city people can find open, flowering expanses of untouched nature and the cleanest, purist rivers full of fish. Vorkuta and its surrounding areas are popular recreational destinations, especially for those who love to fish. RTG TV host Alexander Uvarov travelled to the Usa River with a fishing partner who knows the area like the back of his hand, having served the city for a long time. Join Alexander and Vorkuta district head Sergey Govorov on a fishing trip to this fascinating region.
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Fishing in the Vorkuta region
Gzhel. Folk craft traditions
This unique craft got its name from an old village outside of Moscow where masters of the potter’s trade made their home. Over time, more than 20 villages near that original village of Gzhel also began focusing on the manufacture of ceramic and porcelain. The porcelain produced in and near Gzhel stands apart thanks to its use of paint containing cobaltous oxide in the decoration process. It is this paint that produces the vibrant blue color that distinguishes Ghzel ceramics from all others. Curiously, the chemical element of cobalt that is used to decorate Gzhel porcelain was named in honor of underground sprites called kobolds. According to legend, kobolds live in the bowels of the earth and scheme against miners, trying to prevent them from stealing the treasures of the earth. When painted onto porcelain, cobalt shines a brilliant blue. During the painting stage, however, the cobalt pa...
Now on air
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