Posted by Gary | Posted in Russian Dolls | Posted on 27-08-2010
Tags: matryoshka, russian dolls
I was looking around the internet this morning for inspiration on an article to write about Russian dolls. Searching through Google Russia I hit a dead end. It was only when I did a search in the UK that I came across the most extraordinary thing! Images of a beautiful square (Taowa Square) covered with matryoshka buildings and shops within the square selling more matryoshka than most of us have had hot dinners!
Surprisingly, matryoshka square is in the Chinese city of Manzhouli and not in Russia as one may have expected. As you can see from the photograph above, visitors are greeted with a truly striking site on their approach to the square. The Russian doll in the centre holds the world record as the largest in the world measuring an amazing 30 metres (98 feet) tall!
When visitors reach the centre of the square they can see the stunning artwork painted upon each of the matryoshka. Interestingly, each of the Russian dolls are painted with the images of Russian, Chinese and Mongolian girls to reflect the ethnicities in the region (the city borders both Russia and Mongolia).
As well as the three larger Russian dolls to be seen there are over 200 other dolls, each decorated with paintings of famous people from around the world. Even the gift shops are in the shape of nesting dolls and, well, you don’t really need me to tell you what they sell!
The square has been open since 2006 and is a must-see attraction for anyone fascinated with Russian dolls. To make visits extra memorable, there is a light and fountain show in the square every evening at 9pm. I can imagine this must make for a great experience seeing the dolls come to life under the lights!
I myself would love to visit this city…now it’s just a case of trying to find some money to get there!
Written by Gary Mullen, Russian Dolls.
Reprint Rights
You may reproduce the content of this article onto your own website. However, to do so you must include a link back to HandcraftedUK. Thank you.
Images supplied courtesy of Sina.com.