Inland Visions. Episode 20 | RT Documentary

How did the Easter egg become a symbol of luxury and splendor in Russia, and how did porcelain become a standard of elegance?

Fabergé's Imperial Eggs are masterpieces that were worked on for years by a team of masters. They are kept in the Shuvalov Palace in St. Petersburg. Each of the 52 legendary eggs was an example of engineering skill: for example, the «Trans-Siberian Railway» egg hides a tiny model of a train, and the «Coronation» egg is an exact replica of Catherine the Great's carriage.

But luxury is not only precious metals. At the Imperial Porcelain Factory, founded in 1744, the secrets of craftsmanship are passed down from generation to generation. Here bone flour, fire and patience are transformed into «white gold» — porcelain. How many steps are needed to create just one porcelain cup? And why do craftsmen call porcelain «singing»?