One of the greatest samples of folk wooden art of Russia is wood engraving and wood painting. Russia owns rich forest resources. That is why the early Russian houses were made of wood. This resulted in a tradition to decorate wood and create wooden items for the household, which is now one of the oldest folk arts of Russia.

       Wood engraving, burning, painting and varnishing are relatively easy to master and quite inexpensive. However, wooden art has always been of great value in Russia, so it gives a good opportunity for people who master these skills to provide for their families with its help. Russian woodcutters produce all kinds of kitchen utensils and household articles, starting with spoons, salt shakers and dishes, and ending with toys, distaffs and cradles. Some artists also make beautifully carved frames for Russian icons.

       Of course, wood engraving and burning can be beautiful by itself. However, very often wooden dishes and other kitchen utensils are decorated in a special manner called Khokhloma painting. It is ornamental painting with a plant-like pattern in red and golden colors (rarely green) on a black background. The most common items with Khokhloma painting are Khokhloma spoons. These wooden spoons are very popular in Russia. They also produce a very resonant sound when they are hit against each other. This quality of wooden spoons created a whole trend in Russian folk music –  playing music with spoons.