Craftsmanship and traditions: unique items from Nikolo-Solbinsky Convent in the Department Store

The Department Store at the National Centre RUSSIA presents unique items created at the Nikolo-Solbinsky Convent, located in the Yaroslavl region.

The monastery is situated away from major cities, and its immense beauty makes it a true gem of Russia's Golden Ring. The convent grounds include 12 churches that are already completed or under construction, a chapel, a holy spring bathhouse, workshops, and a medical center.

The monastery hosts a children's shelter, a general education school, and a vocational college called "The Good School on Solba," along with a kindergarten and nursery. Students at the school and college receive excellent spiritual and secular education, learning singing and music, painting and iconography, embroidery and sewing, various crafts, theatrical arts, and cooking skills.

The Department Store features items crafted directly on the convent grounds. The monastery's ceramics workshop thrives on traditional technologies and the creative, unique individuality of the artisans, maintaining a unified style in the development of artistic workshops.

The ceramics workshop has existed at the Nikolo-Solbinsky Convent since 2011. It continues to grow through the diligent efforts of the monastery's mother superior and sisters. The assortment of items expands, and the quality of painting improves thanks to persistent creative endeavors. The current style of decoration is based on the traditions of Russian folk crafts, such as Zhostovo, Khokhloma, and Permogorsk painting, and elements of Russian embroidery. Contemporary trends are also reflected here.

The primary focus of the workshop's ceramic painting is the beauty of nature and Russian ornamental motifs. All items are united by the Solba ceramics base — a deep chocolate hue with multi-colored painting.

Aside from ceramics, the Department Store also offers embroidered textiles. For instance, a collection of napkins inspired by the tales of Alexander Pushkin was created specifically for the National Centre RUSSIA.