Birch Masterpieces: Unique Birch Bark Products at the RUSSIA EXPO

The birch tree is one of the symbols of our country. Modest, hardy, and delicate, it holds a special place in the hearts of all Russians. It is also the only tree in the world with white bark. This outer layer, birch bark, has become almost as widely used in Russia as the wood itself. The soft, velvety surface and silky sheen of birch bark demand careful handling, as if it were alive, requiring all one's love and skill in each creation.

Today, although birch bark crafts can be found in almost every souvenir shop, they rarely impress discerning eyes due to their mass production. True masterpieces are crafted by artisans like Vladimir Antipenko from the Irkutsk region. He employs one of the most intricate traditional techniques of working with birch bark, known as the creation of containers from so-called "skolot" or "skolotnya."

Antipenko's works feature multilayered ornaments carved from birch bark, using unique combinations of natural wood tones, surprisingly rich in variety: from dark gray, almost black, brown and golden, to delicate pink and very light hues.

Traditional items made from birch bark sheets include tuesas—cylindrical vessels for storing pickles, kvass, milk, sour cream, honey, and butter. Birch bark helps preserve food for long periods without spoiling, and it can also be used to make medicinal insoles.

Interestingly, it was an article titled "How to Make a Tuesa" cut out from a magazine that determined Vladimir Antipenko's fate. The master still keeps and always brings to trade fairs his first tuesa, made in 1985, as a talisman. Since then, his best works have been exhibited all over Russia.

The master is constantly seeking new forms of working with birch bark. This was the case with the birch bark chronicle of Irkutsk and the birch bark samovar, his own creation. The samovar is decorated with the domes of Irkutsk churches.

"I created the book 'Chronicle of Irkutsk,' and then for about ten years, I was nurturing the idea of another book — 'Orthodox Churches of Irkutsk'. When I was ready, I started working, sitting at my desk from seven in the morning every day, losing track of time. This work does not bring fatigue, only pleasure," Antipenko shares.

There was a time when Vladimir Antipenko was invited to work abroad, but he remained faithful to his homeland and his birches.

"Where you were born, there you are useful. Homeland is Homeland, no matter where you are, you still long for home. Especially since I was in their forest, I didn't like it at all; there are no birches like ours, the Russian ones. Our birch is the most beautiful," the master asserts. 

Birch bark souvenirs can be purchased at the RUSSIA EXPO department store.