Soviet times were remembered by many for the holidays, during which mothers and grandmothers took out beautiful sparkling glasses and glasses from the sideboard, in which the light was reflected. Today this tradition is less and less common, and crystal ware is lonely gathering dust on the shelves. Why is Russian crystal gradually losing its value and prestige?
Victorious capitalism
Crystal sets have always been associated with special events, be it a birthday or New Year. Crystal glasses filled with champagne shimmered with all the colors of the rainbow, candies in crystal candy bowls sparkled with multi-colored candy wrappers, and bouquets of roses in massive vases looked simply stunning. However, modern realities have brought cheap plastic and glass dishes to this idyll.
Initially, "shuttle traders" brought plastic and glassware to Russia, and then large companies put it on stream.
In society, the opinion began to appear that crystal is a relic of the past, and it is easier to care for inexpensive simple dishes, moreover, if it breaks, it will not be a pity for a good thing. The festive table setting also gradually began to fade into the background - people were quite content with everyday and sometimes disposable tableware. For this reason, crystal faded into the background, being replaced by convenient cheap glasses, salad bowls and plates.
Making Russian crystal
In Russia, crystal is produced by the Gus-Khrustalny plant, a well-known enterprise with a century-old history. His crystal products are a visiting card of Russian artisans who have reached unprecedented heights in the manufacture of tableware, household items and stunning works of art. In Gus-Khrustalny, crystal was made by hand, using in the process of work the centuries-old professional traditions of their predecessors.
The products of the Gus-Khrustalny plant reflect all the beauty of the primordially Russian values, customs and skill of glass blowers.
Today the company is in a serious crisis - after the collapse of the USSR, orders began to decline rapidly. At present, its activity is practically suspended, so the crystal produced by the Gus-Khrustalny Plant has turned almost into antiques. It is especially popular with foreign tourists who admire the skillful crystal tableware made by Russian craftsmen.
The government plans to reopen the work of the Gus-Khrustalny plant soon in order to renew the great history of Russian crystal. In the meantime, admirers of beautiful and elegant things can only admire the "collection" sets, Russian souvenirs, figurines, boxes, jewelry and other items made of crystal.
