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First of all, a difference should be clearly stated between actual souvenirs and items of applied arts (crafts). Souvenirs of the Novgorod Land include copies of the archaeological finds, such as 14th-18th cc. birch-bark scrolls, seals and jewelry. Bracelets, pendants and charms made of convex copper and German silver disks are an exquisite gift. They are decorated with engraved winding ornament of animals and plants, which repeats the ornament on the items found during the excavations. Also popular are charms made of wood, ceramics and pebbles and bearing pagan symbols.
Crafts and various kinds of applied arts take their roots from the ancient times. Valday bells are famous not only throughout Russia, but also in foreign lands. Today their silvery sound brings joy and merriment in the hearts, just as it did centuries ago. The legend has it that the grand veche bell of Novgorod broke down into thousands of small pieces, when it was taken away to Moscow, and so in every little bell there lives a particle of the great bell's soul.
Another well-known craft offers various boxes finely made of birch-bark and lavishly decorated with fretwork, engraving and applications. Depending on the size and shape, the boxes can be used as jewelry cases, foodstuff containers, handbags, or glass-holders. The birch-bark items are light and attractive and seem to keep the warmth of the artisan's hands. They are perfect for storing food, since the tea retains its flavour in these boxes, and the grains remains untouched by insects. They are also very pretty and vary greatly in size and imaginative design.
In Novgorod you will find painted porcelain and ceramics of unbelievable beauty, vases and candle-holders made of natural materials, traditional Russian lacquered miniatures.
Another special local craft is embroidered linen, produced in the town of Krestzy near Novgorod. The word "krest" from which the town's name derives, means "cross", and the embroidery consists of small web-like crosses. Wonderful tablecloths, napkins, bedclothes look like intricate snowflakes covering slowly a winter forest and come in different sizes and colours - not only traditional white, cream and light-gray, but also bright red, green, sky-blue and extravagant pink. Linen dresses and blouses are ecological, stylish and perfect for a hot summer.
Souvenir gallery "Sloboda" occupies the Philharmonics building in the Kremlin. It offers a wide range of typical Novgorodian and generally Russian souvenirs - lace, embroidery, jewelry, dolls, birch-bark and wooden boxes, paintings and art books, and many, many other interesting things. The gallery also hosts art exhibitions.
It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Art gallery "Na Torgu" is a small two-storey pink building in the Yaroslav Courtyard. The first floor is occupied by a shop of souvenirs and paintings, and an exhibition hall is located on the second floor.
The gallery is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
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