Zhostovo Factory Considered for Inclusion in Russian Crafts Exposition at Shanghai Forum
The Zhostovo Decorative Painting Factory is exploring the possibility of participating in the exhibition program of II Eurasian Financial and Economic Forum, scheduled to be held in Shanghai from April 17 to 19, 2026. The event is organized by Financial and Business Association of Euro-Asian Cooperation (FBA EAC) and Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RUIE), with information support from the Chinese Xinhua News Agency.
The negotiating session took place at the factory's premises in the village of Zhostovo. Representatives from FBA EAC included Alexander Murychev, Chairman of the Management Board, Alexander Kotlyarsky, First Vice President and Head of the Industry Committee, and Sergey Korotkov, the President's Adviser. The Zhostovo factory was represented by General Director Andrey Klimachev.
The visit to the Zhostovo factory marked the continuation of a series of field meetings with manufacturers of folk-art crafts, initiated by Alexander Kotlyarsky. The representatives of the association extended an invitation to the factory to participate in the forum's exhibition, emphasizing the humanitarian mission of showcasing traditional Russian culture internationally.
Andrey Klimachev responded positively to the initiative, highlighting the factory's current personnel challenges. Over the past years, the number of artists has significantly decreased from 300 to 50, with the potential loss of master craftsmen threatening to erode the unique artistic techniques. However, the factory is adopting non-standard solutions to address this issue. When graduates of specialized universities relocate to larger cities, the factory relies on local residents and experienced personnel. A notable example is the woman from the neighboring apartment complex, who worked in the warehouse and, after several months' training, became a fully-qualified craftsman. "When an individual in their 40s decides to transition from warehouse work to painting, they do so consciously. They lack youthful indecisiveness and are motivated by a desire to create," the director explained.
The factory also implements flexible employment formats, sending blanks to artists in other cities to retain master craftsmen despite relocation. An in-house department of Zhostovo painting ensures the maintenance of stylistic purity and the transmission of artistic techniques to new generations.
The meeting participants identified exclusive author's works as the most promising format for international presentation. Discussions also centered on the possibility of creating products that incorporate Chinese aesthetic elements while preserving the distinctive Zhostovo style, catering to an oriental audience.
The Zhostovo Decorative Painting Factory is the oldest enterprise specializing in folk crafts, founded in 1825. The tradition of hand-painted metal trays remains one of the most iconic symbols of Russian culture. In 2025, the factory celebrated its 200th anniversary, and participation in the international exhibition is seen as a continuation of a comprehensive self-presentation, with one of the highlights being the project at the Tsaritsyno State Museum-Reserve.