A traditional Blue Tablecloth!
The oldest remaining samples date back to around the end of the 17th century- cotton tablecloths painted in various hues of blue. In the eighteenth century, artisans began creating printed textiles using woodblocks with decorative engravings, symbolic of the Georgian culture.
Pop into any souvenir shop or art studio-store, and you’ll see tablecloths of various color, size and quality. Silk makes the most attractive gift, especially in red, but the cotton version is more likely to actually get put on the table!
Gold!
Have you been to see the Archaeological Treasures exhibition at the Simon Janashia Museum of Georgia on Rustaveli Avenue yet? You should. Housing a vivid collection of some of the numerous findings of gold items, excavated at sites around Georgia, dated from the 3rd century BCE to the 4th century CE, it is a sight not to be missed. There is a plethora of replicas to be found around the city- from jewelry to book marks. Our favorite store is Zaraphxana, which not only makes replicas of archaeological finds but also crafts its own original works.
Ceramics!
My favorite is the White Gallery studio- unique hand-made items of all size, type and inspiration: from tea sets to wall hangers and tree decorations- you can’t go wrong shopping for Christmas here Just make sure you carry your ceramic in your hand luggage!!!
Enamel!
Menankari is the art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colors that are decorated in an intricate design, held in a frame of gold, silver or copper. The oldest existing samples date back to the 7th and 8th centuries. This field of art has become a distinctive symbol of Georgia and it makes a brilliant gift for the ladies at Christmas! Pendants, necklaces, earrings and wall-pictures- take your pick!
Felt!
A light and easily transportable gift, felt is colored and made into animals, hats, jackets and slippers and can be found in most souvenir and art-gallery-stores.
Wool!
Go on- buy a pair of long socks to keep your feet snug this winter. They even do his, hers and kids’!
