From the 1800’s to the 1st half of the 1900’s the town of Gorodet and the villages surrounding it were known for their icons, wood carvings, carriage making, etc. Gorodet, in the middle Volga area, was especially known for its paintings of toys, distaff seats and other small wooden items. In a week, one craftsman could decorate as many as 40 distaff seats. Objects from the village craftsmen and artists were sold at home and exported to many countries in Europe and throughout the world.