This Santa has been hand-carved from one solid piece of linden wood . Linden wood is a very special wood used in Russia for these figures. It is aged for a number of years before being painted.  This is what preserves the wood so that it will stay strong and not crack. This Santa was carved and completely made by hand in Russia.  The quality of the piece is outstanding. This piece is signed by the artist Melnikovich and Made in the village of Sergiev Posad North of Moscow. This size of this Santa is 9.5 inches tall and is about 6 inches wide from side to side. This piece depicts angels reading and overlooking the city.