Dear guests today we have decided to tell you the history of Russian shawls as they remain one of the best souvenirs from Russia.
The history of Pavloposad shawls started in the 17th century and thanks to Russian craftsmen they became popular all around the world.
For the first time manufacturing shawls with printed drawings was mentioned in 1795. As many others such a manufacture was founded by quite a prosperous peasant Ivan Labzin. At that time many peasants who had money began their own businesses but not all of them were so successful in business as Labazin because his shawls for some reason became very famous.
The gorgeous rose of all possible colors became the symbol of Pavloposad shawls while the developed style – big drawings along the edges and colorful flowers in the corners – is still a well-known mark of the factory.
It is interesting that Russian artists took some elements for shawls drawings from other cultures – antique vases, flower bouquets, lotuses, birds…
Initially the shawls were hand-made and this process demanded additional skills. In the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th centuries Moscow factory owners Guchkovs made this manufacturing automatic. At once Russian shawls began receiving the highest quality awards at international fairs and exhibitions. Originally such shawls were the part of the Russian national costume. According to our religion and traditions a married woman had to keep her hair covered all the time and everywhere. Even at that time the shawls were made covered with drawings both on one and two sides of them. The shawls were produced to be worn in many occasions and for different types of weather. Of course, only women with high income, usually merchants’ wives and daughters could afford such things.
Nowadays Pavloposad shawls and scarves are made of wool, silk and cotton. Still all of them are easily recognized because they have the original design and all the details on them are very well worked out.
Pavloposad shawls are very fashionable now. Russian women wear them every day as well as the part of their outfit for some special occasions. Because of their beauty and bright design they are suitable presents for women all around the world. Please remember it when visiting souvenir shops in Russia.
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