Crystal Clear

The fair consisted of crystal pieces with designs and cut works of the Russian origin. A batch of green crystal pieces were displayed, bearing shapes of a flower basket, fruit bowls candle stands and many other drawing room show pieces, ranging from tk200- tk16, 000. Another batch of brown crystal pieces portrayed cleverly cut miniature Russian animals and people with mustaches to complete the effect. Flower vases and ashtrays of various shapes and sizes were probably the most common pieces amongst the crystal bunch.

Elegant crystal sets were displayed in blue and brown, right beside the huge white crystal sword and an old fashioned crystal drinking bag. Besides the miniature crystal horses, sheep, birds, snails, fish and shoes, what might catch the eyes is a huge traditional crystal punch bowl or a soup bowl with a spoon and a set of glasses surrounding it, complete with a tray priced at around tk35, 000. Soccer fans were glancing eagerly at a big crystal soccer ball, costing Tk 10,000. There were scenes from Moscow and other parts of Russia carved out in crystal, portraying the excellent craftsmanship with the intricate and detailed designs.

Something, which really caught the eyes, was The Wizard of Oz chess set, with all the crystal soldiers guarding the crystal king and queen priced at around Tk17, 000. Besides the chess sets, there was a crystal Lily and had a whole lot of people surrounding it just to have a glance.

Various people, ranging from a 10-year-old to a grand mother are visiting the Russian fair. Families and people from all parts of Dhaka are literally gasping at the beauty of the delicate items and are trying to have these foreign designs as a part of their daily delight and entertainment.