Magic of lace-making, horsehair weaving and wood painting: what awaits guests on the second day of EXPO in Harbin
The X Russian-Chinese EXPO continues in Harbin. For the first time, the National Centre RUSSIA is presenting its flagship Department Store project at the event. The stand showcases products by Russian manufacturers from across the country. Guests can explore delicacies, accessories, tableware, folk crafts, as well as a special collection of clothing and accessories featuring quotes by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin.
On the second day, visitors will once again be able to choose gifts and souvenirs from Russian producers representing different regions of the country across five categories: "Delicacies", "Accessories", "Folk Arts and Crafts", and "Tableware". Guests will also have a chance to discover an exclusive collaborative project between a Chinese brand and Russian artist and designer Liza Anisimova, revealing the artistic dialogue between Russia and China through the language of haute couture and contemporary art. Each look combines original hand-drawn graphics, impeccable craftsmanship and refined silhouettes inspired by the heritage of the two great cultures.
Besides, the stand will also feature nevalyashka (roly-poly) dolls, including specially created editions: in the colours of the Chinese flag, in the form of a child wearing a panda costume, as well as panda-themed and traditional toys.
Guests of the Russian-Chinese EXPO also can take a closer look at a model of the future building of the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow, which will be constructed on Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment. For the trade fair in China, the architectural concept inspired by a protective covering has been complemented with samples of tiles, mosaics, lace and wood elements planned for the future interiors of the National Centre RUSSIA.
The second day will also continue the programme of events. The stand will host a series of masterclasses introducing guests to traditional crafts from different regions of Russia.
Folk master of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) Svetlana Kharitonova will demonstrate how horsehair items are created. This is one of the oldest crafts of the Sakha people. Guests will learn how horsehair was used in nomadic culture and see how this material is transformed into decorative elements and protective charms. The folk artisan will demonstrate several basic weaving techniques and explain why this craft still occupies an important place in Yakut tradition.
People's Artist of Russia Tatyana Presnova from the Ryazan Region will introduce visitors to Mikhailov lace. It is the world's only coloured lace woven entirely by hand on bobbins using a continuous technique. Guests will see how an ornament emerges without sketches or ready-made patterns. They will learn why counting the interlacings is so important in Mikhailov lace and how craftswomen achieve dense and expressive designs. Visitors will also discover traditional colour combinations and learn how such lace was historically used to decorate linen items and interiors.
Folk artisan Oksana Ponomareva from the Sverdlovsk Region will present traditional Ural decorative painting. She will explain how homes and household utensils were once painted in Ural villages, demonstrate the construction of floral ornaments, discuss the paints traditionally used, and show the characteristic two-colour brushstroke technique. Guests will observe live painting on wooden figurines and learn about the meanings encoded in flowers, birds and trees.
The programme of the second day thus will bring together three distinct traditions. EXPO guests will become acquainted with the cultures of Yakutia, the Ryazan Region and the Sverdlovsk Region, observe artisans at work in real time, ask questions and discover Russian folk crafts from a new perspective.
The Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA in Harbin will remain open throughout the EXPO. The stand demonstrates how contemporary design, regional brands and traditional crafts together create a vibrant image of the country and open new opportunities for dialogue between Russia and China.
