The
history of "Snezhinka"
he
ancient Russian town of Vologda started its history back in the 12th
century. It is truly the keeper of old cultural traditions of the North.
Talented hands of masters, artisans, and craftsmen created wooden houses with
lots of carvings, made birch bark boxes, painted and carved distaffs, and forged
patterned window bars, all of which are admired for their beauty and richness of
form. Vologda lace is well known and famous because of its elaborate artistic
design, decorative richness, and perfect technique.
he
Vologda lace has an old history. The earliest preserved Vologda lace dates back
to the 17-th century and is admired for its perfection. The lace made of golden
and silver threads decorated rich secular and church clothing, which was worn
mainly by the nobility. By the middle of the 19-th century, lace making became a
professional craft, first for hundreds and later for thousands of female lace
makers in different areas of the Vologda region. At the beginning of the 20-th
century, Vologda lace acquired specific design and style features. Dense braid
-- called polotnyanka - of the same width contrasted by light open weaving
became the main features of Vologda lace. Richness and variety of designs, clear
flowing line of pattern, monumental forms, and prevalence of flower patterns
distinguish traditional Vologda lace.