Moscow, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is home to many iconic souvenirs that reflect the essence of Russian tradition. However, as a popular tourist destination, it’s also a place where tourists can often find themselves falling for fake souvenirs or being duped by tourist traps. To help you navigate the bustling markets and shopping streets of Moscow, here are some tips on how to spot counterfeit goods, avoid being scammed, and ensure you’re bringing home authentic souvenirs.
1. Do Your Research on Authentic Russian Souvenirs
Before you start shopping, it’s important to know what authentic Russian souvenirs look like. Research common Russian handicrafts, traditional art, and items that are unique to the country. Familiarize yourself with the real materials used, such as wood, lacquer, and porcelain, to distinguish high-quality, genuine items from poor imitations.
Key Authentic Russian Souvenirs:
- Matryoshka Dolls: These colorful, nested dolls should have intricate hand-painted designs, often depicting famous Russian figures or scenes. Avoid mass-produced plastic versions.
- Lacquer Boxes: True Russian lacquer boxes are often hand-painted with detailed scenes, usually featuring Russian fairy tales, landscapes, or historical motifs.
- Porcelain: Look for items from well-known Russian porcelain factories like Lomonosov or Imperial Porcelain, which have a signature quality.
Why It’s Important:
- Knowing what’s authentic helps you spot fake souvenirs and ensures you buy products that are genuine and representative of Russian craftsmanship.
2. Avoid Souvenirs from Tourist-Only Areas
Tourist-heavy areas, like Red Square, Arbat Street, or Gorky Park, often have shops that cater to international visitors and are known for overpriced, low-quality souvenirs. While these shops might be convenient, the products sold are often mass-produced and lacking in authenticity. Many items sold in these tourist traps can also be counterfeit, such as poorly made matryoshkas or lacquer boxes.
Where to Shop Instead:
- Explore local markets or artisanal shops for a more genuine experience. Izmailovo Market and Danilovsky Market offer a wide range of authentic Russian goods, including handmade crafts.
- Look for independent boutiques or craft galleries that sell locally produced art and handmade goods, which are less likely to be fake.
Why It’s Important:
- Shopping away from tourist-centric locations ensures you’re purchasing authentic, high-quality Russian products instead of cheap replicas.
3. Check for Authenticity Labels and Certificates
Many authentic Russian souvenirs, especially high-end items like lacquer boxes or artisanal crafts, come with authenticity certificates or labels indicating the craftsmanship and origin. Look for labels that show the item was made in Russia or comes from a well-known manufacturer. For example, Lomonosov porcelain often includes a certificate of authenticity and a manufacturer’s mark.
What to Look For:
- Labels and Stamps: Authentic Russian lacquer boxes may include the name of the artisan or factory along with the region where it was produced.
- Certificate of Authenticity: Higher-end items like hand-painted porcelain or traditional handicrafts should include a certificate confirming its authenticity and origins.
Why It’s Important:
- Authenticity certificates and marks of origin serve as guarantees that you’re purchasing genuine Russian souvenirs.
4. Inspect the Craftsmanship
Handmade Russian goods, such as lacquer boxes or wooden toys, are often highly detailed and carefully crafted. If the item looks poorly made or has uneven details, it is likely a mass-produced fake. Check the quality of the painting, finish, and materials used. Authentic pieces should feel solid, and the craftsmanship should be neat and precise.
How to Inspect:
- Examine the Details: Authentic lacquer boxes should have smooth finishes and vibrant, detailed painting that reflects a skilled artisan’s work. If the paint is uneven or chipped, it’s likely fake.
- Feel the Texture: High-quality wooden items should have a smooth, polished feel and be lightweight but solid. Fake wooden items may feel heavy and rough.
- Weight and Feel: Porcelain items should have a delicate, refined feel, while cheap imitations will be heavier and have a more plastic-like texture.
Why It’s Important:
- Authentic Russian souvenirs are distinguished by superior craftsmanship, which is easy to spot once you learn what to look for.
5. Be Wary of Extremely Low Prices
While Moscow offers many great souvenirs, if an item is being sold at an incredibly low price, it’s a red flag. Genuine Russian art and handicrafts come at a price that reflects the craftsmanship and quality. Mass-produced souvenirs or fake goods are often sold at low prices to attract tourists. If a lacquer box or matryoshka doll is priced too cheaply, it’s likely not an authentic piece.
What to Do:
- Ask for a Price Comparison: If you’re unsure about a price, compare it with similar products in other shops or markets to determine if it’s reasonable.
- Research Average Prices: Before heading out, research the average price range for popular souvenirs like lacquer boxes or handmade dolls to avoid paying too much or too little.
Why It’s Important:
- A genuine Russian souvenir should reflect its craftsmanship and quality, and extremely low prices are a clear indication that something may be fake or mass-produced.
6. Check for Trademarks and Quality Marks
Some of Russia’s most famous brands and artisans offer trademarked items, such as Lomonosov porcelain or Gzhel ceramics. If you’re purchasing high-end items like these, check for the official stamp or mark that signifies it is a product of authentic craftsmanship.
What to Look For:
- Lomonosov Porcelain: Look for a blue mark with the Lomonosov brand name and the artist’s signature.
- Gzhel Ceramics: Genuine Gzhel porcelain often carries a blue signature stamp with the Gzhel logo.
Why It’s Important:
- These marks of quality and official trademarks ensure that you are buying a product that is authentic, genuine, and made in Russia.
7. Shop from Established Stores and Artisans
Stick to well-known shops or artisanal markets that are established and recognized for selling genuine Russian crafts. Visiting places like the Izmailovo Market or Gorky Park is a great way to find authentic goods, as these venues are known for selling products from local craftsmen and artisans.
Recommended Shopping Spots:
- Izmailovo Market: A famous open-air market where you can find everything from lacquer boxes to handmade jewelry, with many authentic local artisans selling their work.
- Vernisazh Market: Located near Sokolniki Park, this market is another great destination for finding authentic Russian handicrafts and art pieces.
Why It’s Important:
- Established markets and stores are more likely to sell genuine items and provide you with trustworthy information about the products, reducing the chances of being scammed by fake goods.
Conclusion
Avoiding fake souvenirs and tourist traps in Moscow requires a bit of research and vigilance. By learning about the authentic Russian souvenirs, inspecting the craftsmanship, and shopping at established venues, you can be confident that the items you bring home represent the true essence of Russian culture. Always trust your instincts—if something feels too good to be true or looks too cheap, it probably is. With these tips, you can make sure you’re buying only the best, authentic Russian souvenirs during your time in Moscow.
