In China, dolls appreciate more expensive gifts
Russian nesting dolls in China are given to each other not only as a souvenir, but also as a sign of love, friendship and family affection
Of the 15 thousand inhabitants of the small Chinese village of Imianpo, one in five is engaged in the manufacture and painting of nesting dolls. This tiny village accounts for 90% of the entire nesting doll market in China and beyond. At the same time, masters for decades preserve the traditions of handmade work.
One of the respected guardians of the craft is Yu Jing. She devoted more than 25 years to this work, taking the secrets of her craftsmanship even from Russian artists. Today, she heads the local Matryoshka Association and develops exclusive designs.
According to the master, the main value of the toy is not in its price. Matryoshka came to us from Russia and carries the symbolism of family attachment. It has a deep meaning: it is given from mother to daughter, friends, loved ones. She is convinced that it is the emotional stuffing that makes the nesting doll eternally popular. After all, a gift in which the soul and warm feelings are invested will always be more expensive than any expensive souvenir.
