From protective charm to art object: 10 facts about Filimonovo toys

Filimonovo toys are a striking phenomenon of Russian folk art. Originating in the village of Filimonovo in the Tula region, they attract admirers of traditional crafts from all over the world. For the thematic Tula Region Days at the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA, ten key facts about the history, technical features, and symbolism of this unique artistic craft have been gathered.

Ancient Origins

Many believe that Filimonovo toys emerged in the early 20th century. However, archaeological finds confirm that local pottery traditions have a centuries-old history. The craft dates back to the 16th century.

Variety of Colours

The traditional palette consists of yellow, red (fuchsia), green (emerald), light blue, blue, and violet. It all depended on the availability of pigments.

Solar Symbolism

The ornaments are connected with solar symbolism. Circles, rosettes, and rays are not merely decoration but reflect the ancient cult of the sun. The three-colour palette has special meaning: in the past, yellow symbolised air and the sun, red — beauty and warmth, and green — spring renewal and the energy of life.

Painting Without Sketches

Masters never use preliminary pencil drawings. The patterns are applied directly with a brush, requiring incredible precision and years of experience.

Special Order of Painting

The toy is first covered with yellow — the yellow elements serve as the basis for the painting. Then red is added, and only afterwards green and violet patterns.

Protective Function

Originally, the patterns carried not a decorative but a protective role. For example, concentric circles around the neck of a toy symbolised "protective gates".

Main Figures

The shape of a Filimonovo toy has a particular meaning. The horseman symbolises the masculine principle, while the lady represents the feminine.

Artistic "Shorthand "

Filimonovo painting resembles improvisation in shorthand: swift strokes and uneven lines of varying thickness and pressure preserve the living movement of the craftswomen’s hands. Brushes were traditionally made from chicken feathers.

Modern Production

After the war, production revived, and there were attempts to place it under state organisation. However, the craft has remained true to its original way — in the hands of hereditary masters. In the Odoyevsky district, descendants of Filimonovo craftswomen continue their work. Near the village of Filimonovo there is the Museum of Filimonovo Toys, and in Tula the toys can be seen and even made at the Museum of Decorative, Applied and Folk Art, headed by a hereditary folk craftsman.

Global Recognition

Filimonovo toys actively represent Russian culture abroad, taking part in international expositions, cultural festivals, and fairs. Masters from the Odoyevsky district of the Tula region continue to preserve and develop traditions, allowing Filimonovo painting to remain a living and recognisable symbol of Russian folk art.

Learn more about Filimonovo toys and other sights and achievements of the Tula region during the Region Week, which runs from 16 to 21 September at the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA. The programme of the Tula Region Days includes an open dialogue with federal experts on the region’s development strategy, presentations of investment and tourism potential, lectures, workshops, cultural and gastronomic events, and activities for children and young people.