With Georgia set right on the crossroads between Europe and Asia, its cities have always served as essential stops on the historic Silk Road. Artisans of all kinds have always gathered here, a tradition that continues right up to the present day. The old ways are not forgotten and many of the ancient arts still survive.
Georgian jewellery, ceramics and embroidery are all distinctive, and may be bought in art salons or specialty shops. Visitors may also develop a liking for locally produced wines and brandies, which range in price from ridiculously cheap to ridiculously good (and still fairly inexpensive). Pick up an exquisitely hand craved Chess Set or Nardi (backgammon).
For arts and crafts the Dry Bridge area is simply not to be missed. Full of booths and various artists hawking their wares it a fascinating place to educate yourself in Georgian culture.
Swords and Daggers – made in the ancient folded metal tradition requiring hundred of hours of labor, “Tbilisi steel” is sold all over the world , but the waiting lists for products by the master craftsmen can be long.
Chikanka metal bass-reliefs of historical and mythological themes often inlaid with colorful enamels.
Katkha a wooden goblet hand carved from a single piece of wood
Felt Caps traditional skull caps so completely Georgian even teenagers wear them
Chokha classic Georgian jacket with special row of breast pockets to hold your gun cartridges (now just for vial with silver tops)
Nabadi traditional wool mountain cape
Khantsy wine horns made from the actual horns of mountain rams, coming in all sizes.
Ceramics pottery Ceramics pottery is not only popular here, but it is still used daily by almost every family as wine pitchers, cooking vessel, vases and serving bowls.
Hurgini versions of traditional saddle bags are now popular as briefcases and carry bags.
Treasure Boxes: hand carved wooden chests.
Antiques such as rugs and icons (over 100 years old) attract an export duty and must be licensed for export by the Ministry of Culture. Antiques acquired in markets or from private individuals will not come with an export license, whereas souvenir shops usually take responsibility for certification.
Opening times: Shops are usually open from 10 to at least 6 sometimes 8. Most are open everyday but some close on Sunday. In Tbilisi the main shopping streets are Rustaveli and Chavchavadze Ave. For souvenirs stroll along Rustaveli Ave, high quality art shops, galleries and exhibition halls can be found in Vake and Vera districts as well as in streets around Sioni church.
| " |
Everything you give away remains yours and everything you keep is lost forever
|
Rustaveli – The Knight in the Panther Skin
Georgians are a generous people and when you make friends here do not be surprised if you are simply showered with gifts, this is not unusual or to be unexpected. Georgian live by the motto that you can only truly possess that which you give away. It is therefore best to bring with you a supply of small gifts with which to reciprocate so that you do not feel yourself to uncomfortably foreign and unfeeling. We are an elegant people who dress stylishly and appreciate fashion of all types, so anything from the west with a little pizzazz and even a brand name often goes over well.
|
