The roly-poly doll at the National Centre RUSSIA: a symbol of resilience and steadfastness

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The National Centre RUSSIA is preparing for the New Year. The key character of the New Year concept is the roly-poly doll. Just the sight of it brings back childhood memories: grandmother's pies, mother's hugs, the tapestry on the wall along which you would "trace a path" with your finger. The roly-poly doll is a symbol of childhood. At the same time, it reflects Russian resilience, stability, and perseverance — no matter what trials life presents to the country, it always returns to its original position.

A legend in a red sarafan dress: from the "roly-poly doll" to a national symbol

The very history of the roly-poly doll speaks of its resilience. Its prototypes, like the hardiest and steadfast travellers, came into the modern world from different cultures. For example, the Japanese Daruma taught persistence in achieving goals. And in 19th-century Russia, in workshops of Nizhny Novgorod and Sergiev Posad, its own "roly-poly doll" was born — wooden, bright red, with a mysterious "plummet" inside, which craftsmen hid in the base of the toy. This concealed centre of gravity, most often made of clay or metal, is the philosophical essence of the roly-poly. It teaches us: to be unshakeable, it is important to maintain not only external firmness but also internal balance and fidelity to traditional values.

The roly-poly doll acquired its iconic look — a smile, a white headscarf, and rounded shapes — in the Soviet era. Today, it reminds us: whatever life's storms try to knock us down, we can always find the strength within ourselves to rise again.

The roly-poly doll as the main hero of the upcoming holidays

It is not difficult to lose a balance in the pre-New Year bustle. That is why the roly-poly doll in the National Centre RUSSIA space is also a reminder of the importance of maintaining a balance. They say the painted face of the traditional roly-poly doll holds a special secret: its smile is drawn in such a way that from any angle it appears to be smiling at the observer. Thus, it does not just look at you — like a true friend, it supports you morally, no matter from which side you view it. This toy becomes a quiet but steadfast symbol of inner support that will not let you give way to despair.

The 21st-century roly-poly doll: from toy to fashionable accessory

At the National Centre RUSSIA Department Store, this childhood toy appears in various incarnations, and everyone can find the one that resonates with their soul. Connoisseurs of tradition will be delighted by products from the "Kotovskaya Nevalyashka" (Roly-poly doll from Kotovsk) company — classic beauties in scarlet sarafans, just like from childhood.

For lovers of luxury, the Department Store offers unique fur roly-poly dolls. They are pleasant to hold, and the designer look, created in collaboration with the Krasnoyarsk Far Fur brand, blurs the line between a folk toy and high fashion.

Visitors who value an individual style will be able to appreciate various accessories looking like roly-poly dolls — such as keyrings and brooches — and make the iconic toy their personal talisman of resilience.

Come to the winter Department Store at the National Centre RUSSIA and find your own roly-poly doll — the one that will inspire you and remind you: whatever happens, inside us there is that very magical "plummet" that will always help us rise and sway with a smile towards a new day. 

Workshop on painting roly-poly dolls

On 7 December, a New Year's workshop on painting the famous Kotovskaya roly-poly doll will be held for guests of the National Centre RUSSIA. The doll will become a wonderful decoration for your home or an original gift for your loved ones. This is a unique opportunity not only to learn decorating techniques but also to create your very own unique roly-poly doll, filled with warmth, individuality, and festive spirit.

At the workshop, the guests will learn about the history of roly-poly dolls, discover the secrets of artistic craftsmanship, and receive all the necessary materials and tools for painting a doll.

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the participants will be able to paint their own toy in traditional Russian folk styles such as Gzhel, Khokhloma, Gorodets, and Zhostovo painting.