Demand for Vitebsk carpets with biblical themes increases by 20-30% ahead of Easter

April 17, Vitebsk / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. The demand for carpets with biblical themes produced by Vitebskiye Kovry Open Joint-Stock Company increases by 20-30% annually on the eve of Easter, Deputy General Director for Commercial Affairs of the joint-stock company Sergey Kolesnik told a BELTA correspondent. About ten years ago, the enterprise began to master the production of souvenir products based on revered Orthodox icons depicting Christ, the Mother of God, and saints such as Nicholas the Wonderworker, Euphrosyne of Polotsk, and Seraphim of Sarov. Before starting this work, the enterprise sought the blessing of the Archbishop of the Vitebsk Diocese, and only after receiving it did they begin weaving. Modern equipment allows for the production of multi-colored carpets with 8-16 colors. The weavers have even managed to recreate Raphael's famous "Sistine Madonna" in all its colorful richness. According to Sergey Kolesnik, souvenir carpets have become a flagship product of the joint-stock company. No other enterprise in the CIS produces similar items. This is likely why orders come from various countries. Russian and Ukrainian consumers favor carpet icons, while guests from far abroad readily purchase carpets depicting Vitebsk landscapes, well-known from the paintings of Marc Chagall, and symbols of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" arts festival. Businessmen often order personalized gifts for their business partners from Vitebskiye Kovry. Based on the results of 2008, Vitebskiye Kovry Open Joint-Stock Company produced products at comparable prices worth Br96.2 billion. The growth rate was 111%. Products worth Br98.3 billion were sold. The balance profit for the year exceeded Br8 billion. -0-