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Originally Posted by Texashorselady
When we were there a few years ago I saw them all over the place. There was a huge range in quality from one to another. I bought a few of the inexpensive ones as gifts and then splurged and spent a lot more on one really nice one for me. The difference in quality is striking, with the nice one being much better quality, with the gold trim you mentioned, and signed by the artist.
Here's a photo (don't you love scanners?) of the box I bought. I don't know how clear this will appear when I upload it, but all that yellow is gold.
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Hi THL The image is great. The scene indicates it is from Ukraine which is famous for its boxes both lacquered and inlayed wood types. Even the cheap boxes are beautiful, I have several around the apartment for collecting stamps, paperclips and pencils. I think they make better gifts for back home than nesting dolls but the dolls outsell everything else. The boxes are a recent addition to St Petersburg and do not relate to the city as much as the other items I suggested but regardless, they are very attractive. Another big seller here is Amber. There is good amber here but from my experience, it might be a better deal in Talinin or Gdansk, both ports after St Petersburg. Both cities are less expensive generally than St Petersburg.
The real bargain here is original art. if anyone is interested I can tell them the procedure to export art they find at the sidewalk galleries or artist co-ops. It is easy but some people are firghtened by the documents required. It is quick and cheap to get an export permit. The Ministry of Culture wants to make sure no old masters are being smuggled out so they require are to be authenitcated and a permit issued to take it through customs. A glance by the experts at the Ministry is enough to determine if it is an old heritage piece or modern creation. |