In Russia, beautifully decorated eggs symbolize life, happiness and the sun, which brings warmth and the promise of a bright future. These intricately hand-painted and colorful eggs are made from balsa wood, a renewable resource found throughout the Russian countryside. Delicately painted with watercolors certified safe by the Russian Ministry of Health, the eggs are beautifully finished with shiny or matté lacquer. Each egg is unique, individually designed and painted by hand. These wooden eggs represent the revival of a long forgotten art, and this craft provides vital income to a cooperative of women artists near Moscow. An educational card is included with each item.