Guests of the Russian-Chinese EXPO in Harbin admired the collection of nevalyashkas
A special series of nevalyashkas (roly-poly dolls), prepared by the National Centre RUSSIA together with the Kotovskie Nevalyashki factory from the Tambov Region, is delighting visitors to the 10th Russian-Chinese EXPO in Harbin, where the flagship project, Department Store, is presented. Guests are particularly drawn to the toy in the image of a panda with bamboo, a symbol of friendship and warm relations between Russia and China. Jiang Jiang, a presenter at Heilongjiang Transport Radio, shared her impressions.
"When I saw this toy, it immediately seemed very cute to me. I was told that this is a traditional Russian item, a nevalyashka. Of course, China also has similar toys, but I was especially touched that Chinese elements had appeared in this image: a giant panda with bamboo. It was a very pleasant and warm surprise for me. At the exposition, I also met many friendly international guests, and the atmosphere here left the most pleasant impressions," Jiang Jiang shared.
The National Centre RUSSIA brought nevalyashkas in four different designs to Harbin. Among them are a roly-poly doll in the traditional colours of China, red and yellow, featuring a wild plum blossom, a symbol of renewal and resilience; a nevalyashka in the image of a child in a panda costume, a symbol of harmony and warm relations between Russia and China; as well as the panda itself and a traditional red toy.
The stand of the National Centre RUSSIA in Harbin presents goods and folk arts and crafts from different regions of the country. The exposition brings together porcelain, crystal, amber and lace items, accessories, delicacies, and decorative and applied art objects. The design of the space symbolises cultural dialogue between Russia and China, combining traditional motifs from the two countries.
During the all-Russian survey "What does the Motherland begin with?", people across the country are answering this question in their own way, opening up the innermost corners of their souls.
Souvenir nevalyashkas (traditional Russian roly-poly dolls), are attracting particular attention, with guests choosing them for their harmonious combination of Russian colour and traditional Chinese symbols.
Under the guidance of artisans, each guest made an unusual souvenir that can become either a personal talisman or a gift with a special story.
