Khokhloma patterns

Khokhloma craft art has a 300 year history that continues still today. Khokhloma painting on wood is a traditional Russian decorative craft art that began in the 2nd. half of the 17th. century in the Koverninsky region of the Nizhnii Novgorod Oblast. This style of painting was named after the trade village of Khokhloma where the painted wares were collected from all over the area for sale to the buyers. From the 18th. Century to the beginning of the 20th. Century this village was the trade center for all of the Khokhloma craft art products.
Combinations of colors such as red, black & gold are traditionally characteristic of Khokhloma painting. The most commonly used style includes the "topping" (using a red & black painted design on a golden background.) Another popular style is "background" painting (gold silhouette painting on either a red or black background.) 
http://www.artrusse.ca/khokhloma_en.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khokhloma

Thanks,Marina :)